Israeli Military Correspondent Doubts Hamas Will Disarm in Gaza Peace Plan

In a recent interview, Israeli military correspondent Hillel Biton Rozen expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Hamas disarming as part of any Gaza peace agreement. Speaking on a news program, Rozen stated, "If anyone knows a terrorist organization that has thrown down its weapons and surrendered, I invite them to show me." He emphasized that Hamas militants are deeply committed, willing to die rather than give up their arms.

This commentary comes amid growing gaps between statements from the Israeli Peace Council and Hamas. The Peace Council has declared that disarming Hamas is a precondition for Israeli forces to withdraw from the "yellow line" in Gaza. Conversely, Hamas insists the opposite, rejecting disarmament.

Rozen described the Gaza militants as unyielding, saying they cannot be deterred or intimidated, only killed. He noted that for three years, international forces have been discussed as potential peacekeepers in Gaza, but these efforts have failed. Rozen argued that Israel should acknowledge this failure and proceed to occupy the territory, expel the population supporting terrorism, eliminate militants, and settle the area. He concluded bluntly, "Whoever doesn't like it, good for them."