he plan outlined a comprehensive ceasefire, reconstruction and governance framework aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and rebuilding the Gaza Strip. The first phase, involving the return of the remaining hostages being held in Gaza, has been carried out successfully, barring the return of a number of bodies. Conference participants, however, expressed profound skepticism about the second phase, which would involve the complete dismantlement and disarmament of Hamas.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think that Hamas will volunteer to put aside its weapons,” said the conference’s keynote speaker, Knesset member Avi Dichter, currently Israel’s minister of agriculture and rural development, who sits on the Security Cabinet. He said the odds were about as high as those of Israel winning the World Cup. (Read More)
