We thank President Trump for bold leadership and the lifesaving effort to free hostages. No one doubts his seriousness—or Israel’s desire for peace—nor the importance of partnership with the Gulf states. But we cannot pretend that Hamas will relinquish power in Gaza through paper agreements or photo-ops. Under the cover of ceasefires and “mediation” by Qatar and Turkey, Hamas re-arms, re-entrenches, and prepares for the next round.
Reality check: Hamas is a terrorist army. It will not negotiate itself out of existence. The only path to a durable settlement is to remove Hamas completely, militarily and decisively, at the next provocation. Anything less is an invitation to repeat the cycle of kidnapping, murder, and regional destabilization.
What must change—now
- Use the next ceasefire violation as the trigger to eliminate Hamas command, control, and fighting capacity—end the shell game.
- Replace naïve negotiation with serious statecraft. Steve Witkoff should be relieved of this portfolio. Install Secretary of State Marco Rubio to run the diplomatic track directly under the President.
- Reject “mediation” from state sponsors and enablers of terror. Qatar and Turkey are not neutral and cannot deliver the disarmament that peace requires.
- Align Phase Two with ground truth. Any plan that leaves even one Hamas battalion intact is a plan for renewed war.
The objective: true peace for all sides
Finishing Hamas is not only in Israel’s interest—it benefits the United States and the Gulf Arab states that genuinely seek a modern, secure, and prosperous region. A post-Hamas Gaza, coupled with Arab partnership and American leadership, is the only basis for a real peace.
Mr. President, we support your leadership and urge you to take full control of this process. Listen to those who are calling out the obvious: the status quo is a primrose path to disaster. Eradicate Hamas now, then build the peace the region deserves.
— Larry Klayman
Founder, Judicial Watch & Freedom Watch
Chairman and General Counsel, Freedom Watch USA
