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The macabre show in Gaza - The urgent need for a civilian government

1 min

The release of Israeli hostages, while always greeted with relief and hope, is too often accompanied by a macabre spectacle orchestrated by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Russian-Israeli Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov, a hostage held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, speaks as he is released by Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 15, 2025. Reuters/Ramadan Abed

Russian-Israeli Sasha (Alexander) Troufanov, a hostage held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, speaks as he is released by Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 15, 2025. Reuters/Ramadan Abed

The release of Israeli hostages, while always greeted with relief and hope, is too often accompanied by a macabre spectacle orchestrated by Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

These terrorist organizations, in a pathetic display of power and cruelty, once again reveal their true nature. It is high time to recognize that the only viable solution for Gaza is the elimination of these groups and the establishment of a civilian government.

With each hostage release, Hamas and Islamic Jihad turn what should be a moment of respite and reconciliation into a grotesque spectacle. 

The hostages, often mistreated and used as pawns in a perverse political game, are paraded as trophies. This spectacle serves no purpose other than to demonstrate these groups' ability to instill terror and manipulate emotions. It is an affront to human dignity and further proof of the inhumanity of these organizations.

The True Face of Terrorism

These spectacles reveal the true face of Hamas and Islamic Jihad: terrorist organizations that thrive on suffering and fear. Their strategy relies on violence, intimidation, and propaganda.

 They use civilians, including children, as human shields and tools of their extremist ideology. Their goal is not peace or justice, but destruction and domination.

The situation in Gaza is an endless cycle of violence and despair. The actions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad only exacerbate the misery of Gaza's residents. 

Infrastructure is destroyed, the economy is in ruins, and future prospects are bleak. The international community has long tolerated this situation, hoping that negotiations and concessions could bring these groups to reason. But it is clear that violence cannot be countered by diplomacy alone.

The only viable solution for Gaza is the elimination of Hamas and Islamic Jihad and the establishment of a civilian government. 

A democratically elected government, accountable to its citizens, could finally focus on the real needs of the population: reconstruction, economic development, education, and healthcare. A civilian government could also engage in constructive dialogue with Israel and the international community, paving the way for lasting peace and prosperity.

The international community has a crucial role to play in this transition. It must support efforts to eliminate terrorist groups and assist in establishing a civilian government. 

This includes financial support, technical assistance, and the protection of civilians. The international community must also pressure countries that support Hamas and Islamic Jihad to cease their financial and military backing.

By Bruno Finel 

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