Why Israel's Withdrawal from Gaza Didn't Result in Peace

The decision by Israel to withdraw from Gaza in 2005 was followed by a series of events that have shaped the current political landscape of the region. This article explores the reasons behind Israel's withdrawal, the subsequent control by Hamas, and the broader implications of this transfer of control.

Background and Initial Withdrawal

In 2005, a significant move was made by Israel to withdraw its military and civilian presence from the Gaza Strip. This decision was based on the belief that without external military presence, a more moderate Palestinian government would rise to power. However, the sequence of events that followed did not align with these expectations.

Violations of Peace Accords and Coordination

Following the signing of the Israel-Fatah-Palestinian Authority Peace Accord in 1993, there was an initial agreement to halt hostilities and advance toward peace. However, as the article suggests, both Israel and Fatah began violating the treaty shortly after it was signed. This violation was described as a typical tactic employed by fascist regimes to shift blame to others, specifically to nationalist groups like Hamas.

Egypt's Role and Concerns

Egypt played a critical role during the transfer of control but ultimately decided not to take full responsibility for Gaza. According to the article, this decision was informed by the knowledge that Gaza contains a significant number of terrorists who could cause problems for Egypt. This reluctance to take control underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

The 2006 Palestinian Election and Hamas' Ascendancy

What was supposed to be a path toward peace through the election of a new government, as understood in the 2006 agreement, did not materialize. The Palestinians voted overwhelmingly for Hamas, an organization that was well-known for its radical stance against Israel. The election results led to the elimination of all opponents, and there have been no subsequent elections in Gaza. This period marked a significant shift, leading to the current situation in Gaza.

Unforeseen Consequences and Current State of Affairs

The article also highlights that in 1967, Gaza was still under Egyptian control before it came under Israeli occupation following the Six-Day War. The lack of Israeli control over Gaza was not due to a handover to Hamas but rather because the Strip had a history of resistance against Israeli control. The internal affairs of Gaza were the result of internal choices made by the Palestinian population.

Conclusion and Reflection

It is suggested that the choice of Hamas by the Palestinians was a miscalculation. The hope is that in the future, the Palestinian people will choose leaders who align with the objective of peace and stability. The situation in Gaza remains a complex and contested issue, with implications for regional and international politics.

Despite the withdrawal of Israeli control, Gaza's current governance and politics reflect internal choices by the Palestinian people. The broader narrative is one of unintended consequences and the challenges faced in achieving peace through external control.