Serious questions

[Chautauquas]

If Hamas released the remaining hostages unharmed would Israel agree to negotiate a cease fire?

I've seen comments here that all Hamas has to do if they want peace is release the hostages. If that won't stop the fighting, what actually will? Is total destruction of Hamas, or complete surrender, the only outcome Israel will accept?

[yagotme]

1. If they release the hostages, that's the first step.

Then they need to quit firing missiles at Israel. Stop threatening and doing attacks and murders of Jews. 3 things, and I bet Israel will back off. As long as Hamas holds to those things. But, I believe Hamas when they say they will keep attacking, and I bet Israel does, too. So it's kind of a moot point...

[Wingus Dingus]

2. Why shouldn't Israel seek to eliminate Hamas, or have them removed from power?

Hamas poses an existential threat to them. If someone slaughters, rapes, tortures, beheads, burns my family members, I don't accept them still hanging around outside my house, waiting for their next chance. Get the hostages back if possible, but eliminating Hamas should be the main goal.

[Chautauquas]

3. What if that isn't possible?

Israel is seeking to eliminate Hamas, but I'm just trying to understand what needs to happen for the fighting to stop, even if they don't succeed at total elimination of their enemy.

Is elimination of Hamas the only acceptable outcome? Is it the only thing that will end the fighting?

[Wingus Dingus]

4. I think it is the only acceptable outcome, or there is no chance of lasting peace.

If a group's stated goal is to wipe out your very existence...maybe you should believe them.

[yagotme]

5. The only other outcome is for Hamas to change their heart, words, and actions.

I don't foresee that in the very near, or, really distant future. I could be wrong, but 1,000's of years don't lie.

[Chautauquas]

6. I appreciate your responses

and I think you're right in saying Hamas will not change their heart. What I'm trying to explore is the possibility of some other outcome. If Hamas releases the hostages AND stops the attacks on Israel (I know, their word is obviously not trustworthy) will Israel be willing to negotiate for peace?

The fighting will end at some point, and I'm wondering what that will look like if Hamas remains intact when that day comes.

[yagotme]

9. If Hamas plays it straight (which is unchartered territory),

Israel MAY agree to a ceasefire, and peace talks. The only outcome I see currently, is Hamas being beaten into the ground, because they don't believe death is a bad thing. For them, or their people. As far as what the end will look like, well, it probably won't be pretty.

[Mossfern]

17. Unfortunately eliminating Hamas

is no guarantee that the fighting will end. Gazans may choose a different terrorist organization to replace them. If they choose reasonable leadership willing to work with Israel toward a renewed and successful Gaza that is invested in partnering with Israel, there may be hope.

We just need to contain the rabid radicals on both sides.

[inthewind21]

10. Like the US

sought to eliminate Al Queda and the Taliban? Do tell, how'd that "eliminating" go after 20 years?

[MyMission]

7. Yes, it's complicated, yes

YES= "If Hamas released the remaining hostages unharmed would Israel agree to negotiate a cease fire?" (Israel would agree to negotiate, but I doubt that the negotiations would be successful, as noted in an earlier reply to this thread.)

It's complicated= "I've seen comments here that all Hamas has to do if they want peace is release the hostages. If that won't stop the fighting, what actually will?" (The first response to the op explained it well. If and when Hamas is ready to negotiate, after they release hostages, they will need to agree to conditions they've historically been reluctant to or adamant about agreeing to or honoring. This also relates to your next question...)

YES= "Is total destruction of Hamas, or complete surrender, the only outcome Israel will accept?" (The leaders of Hamas must be removed, and a new leadership installed that wants peace, and does not advocate for, condone or support the destruction of Israel, and will work to improve the quality of life for the Gazan's, which Hamas does not do.)

I doubt Hamas can be rebranded, even if the leaders are killed and captured. A new group must be in charge, and not Hamas with a new name. If and when the Gazan's are represented by humane, reasonable, non-militant advocates, they will be able to negotiate a cease fire.

With new leadership, there will still be many militants, both in Palestinian and other Muslim territories, who will call for the destruction of Israel, so Gazan's will need to be protected from these influences as much as possible, for as long as possible. Groups like Isis, the Taliban, and Palistinian Islamic jihad are waiting in the wings to take over and control and martyr their civilians, mostly for the sake of jihad against Israel and Jews. This concerns me in the long run, but for the immediate present Hamas is in control, and they are responsible for the attacks on Israelis, and the deaths of their own citizens because they use them as shields and martyrs. They must be stopped.

[inthewind21]

11. Ummm

"The leaders of Hamas must be removed, and a new leadership installed that wants peace, and does not advocate for, condone or support the destruction of Israel, and will work to improve the quality of life for the Gazan's, which Hamas does not do.)"

You are aware Hamas is a terrorist group right? Name me ONE terrorist organization that spreads the word of peace.

FYI - The leaders of Hamas aren't even in Gaza. And if you think there won't be plenty of replacements for Hamas or some other terrorist organization ready and willing to step in your in some serious denial.

[MyMission]

14. Ummm, perhaps you misunderstood?

Yes I know the organizers are not gaza, for the most part.

I did say that if and when Hamas is removed, another terror group is waiting to take its place. First step is to get rid of them, but it won't end this.

And there are people on both sides who want peace, so I was alluding that if the peaceniks gained control and attempted to make peace and coexist, they'd need a lot of help because there are terrorists who don't want peace and will insert themselves or seize power to to stop any peace process.

Again, I do understand that terror groups do not want peace.
And I also understand that many people do want peace, and if they were in charge they (the people) would be able to negotiate a ceasefire, but it probably wouldn't last because another terror group would start something.

There are no easy solutions to this conflict.

[WmChris]

8. Some food for thought

https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336

[inthewind21]

12. Shhhhhh

you'll ruin the fairytale!

[Mosby]

13. So Bibi let aid money into Gaza.

Is there anything the PA and Hamas did to stop a "two state solution" or is it just bibi and likud?

[WmChris]

15. There's enough blame to go around

I don't think Hamas really represents the Palestinians and Bibi doesn't necessarily represent all Israeli people. Senseless destruction of innocent citizens on either side is wrong. IMHO

[SickOfTheOnePct]

16. I don't believe releasing the hostages

Will do it. Hamas will need to surrender as well.

[ripcord]

18. Why would Israel want a cease fire with Hamas?

They had a cease fire with Hamas until October 7. A cease fire would allow Hamas to rearm and reorganize. Over 1400 tortured, raped, mutilated, killed and kidnapped Israelis are proof Hamas' word is shit and can't be trusted.