Peace Council Insider Criticizes Israeli Gaza Policy

A source close to the Peace Council sharply criticized the Israeli government's policy in Gaza on Thursday, stating that targeted assassinations while allowing Hamas to retain its military and authority will not lead to the organization's elimination. The source, speaking to i24NEWS, argued that while assassinating Hamas operatives might be justified, the strategy is insufficient for dismantling the group.

"The government's policy is targeted assassinations, while keeping Hamas with its army and authority," the source said. "The Peace Council wants a complete dismantling and liquidation of Hamas. Israel assassinates individuals from Hamas, but it does not eliminate Hamas itself."

The remarks come amid ongoing debate regarding the next phase of operations in Gaza, following a July 30 agreement between Hamas and the Peace Council on a plan for the gradual disarmament of the organization. The source, identified as being close to the Peace Council, vehemently rejected the Israeli approach, likening it to policies in place before October 7.

According to the source, the proposed path forward involves a 14-day ceasefire, excluding operations against immediate threats, coupled with full government cooperation on all preparatory and logistical steps for voluntary disarmament. "If Hamas begins to dismantle itself at a rapid pace and provides all tunnel coordinates, that would be excellent," the source stated, adding that if Hamas does not disarm voluntarily, the Israeli military "will receive international support to do so by force."