How to deal with the situation in Gaza?
Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to expand the military operations and take full control of the Gaza Strip. Europe's press debates the latest developments, including a declaration signed by the key Arab states Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan calling for the disarmament and disempowerment of the terrorist group Hamas.
Seize this opportunity
Der Tagesspiegel expresses cautious optimism:
“For the first time several Arab states have openly stood up to the terrorist organisation Hamas and are demanding its complete disempowerment in the Gaza Strip. ... Also because the Arab countries are realising that aid intended for the eternally suffering population often ends up going to Hamas. And far too little goes to the starving. ... Now is the time to create the opportunity for a comprehensive agreement - led by the US and supported by Germany and Europe - that ends the war and secures the release of the hostages. These are the pictures we want to see. Finally.”
Isolate Hamas and pave the way for peace
Political scientist Nina Scholz comments in Kurier:
“It was high time for the influential Islamic states and Arab League to firmly distance themselves from Hamas, condemn the massacre of 7 October 2023 and define the disarmament and removal of Hamas as the main prerequisite for future peace. ... Who should now disarm Hamas and remove it from Gaza? Whatever the case, the recognition of the crimes of 7 October 2023 by the most important Islamic states and the demand for the dismantling of Hamas must be seen as historic. Cautiously put, joint pressure could at least potentially serve to isolate Hamas and pave the way for peace processes.”
Israel is a country divided
La Repubblica comments on media reports that Netanyahu is planning the full occupation of Gaza:
“The final decision will be made by the Security Cabinet, which is divided. For weeks the army has been objecting that the 'purging' of all Hamas infrastructure would take years and entail enormous human costs, starting with the lives of the hostages. The tension was evident in yesterday's statement by the Prime Minister's Office that if the chief of staff of the Israelis military, Eyal Zamir, is opposed to an expansion of the war he must resign. But according to all polls, the majority of Israelis are against the war and have long wanted it to end (although the same majority agrees with the Prime Minister on the need to defeat Hamas).”
Stop weapons exports
The Irish Times calls for clear action from the Irish government:
“Ireland has taken a position of empathy and solidarity towards the suffering of Palestinian people. But the Government needs to continue to back up words with action. ... That means passing the Occupied Territories Bill, including trade in services. It also means ending the transport of weapons of war and their components in Irish airspace ... and ending the export of components of machinery such as drones from companies in Ireland to Israel.”