Confused by reports of Hamas dropping "key demand"

Dear Editor:

I'm confused by the reports that Hamas has dropped the "key demand" that Israel commit to the complete end of the war (Hamas started with its barbaric massacre on October 7) before any cease-fire deal.

The article later reported the terror group allegedly gave approval to President Biden's proposal after receiving "verbal commitments and guarantees" that the war won't be resumed, but it wants those "guarantees on paper."

How does that differ from an upfront commitment to a complete end to the war?

More important: President Biden said his proposal would bring about an end to the war without Hamas in power in Gaza. He has also said, correctly, that Hamas must be eliminated. Recognizing that a cease-fire which does not do both will simply lead to another October 7 and another, almost certainly even more devastating war, I'm skeptical about President Biden't proposal because none of the provisions revealed would do either.

Sincerely,

Alan Stein

Sent to the Hartford Courant July 8, 2024


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