Drop Site on Nostr: Dr. Bahbah continued: “You need to strike while the iron is hot. If there’s an ...

Dr. Bahbah continued:
“You need to strike while the iron is hot. If there’s an offer on the table like this one, you have to hold onto it to end the war in Gaza. Hamas did the right thing. This time their response was quick, rational, and responsible. Before, they wanted to take their time, but that doesn’t work with this administration, which wants to move fast from one file to the next. They don’t have the time that Biden’s administration had. So with this administration, you need to close the issue as soon as they show interest.”

Anchor:
The American president says all hostages must be released. Hamas says it’s ready for a comprehensive deal. The Israeli defense minister says they’re deceiving. How do you read that?

Dr. Bahbah:
Hamas agreed to the American president’s offer. As for the Israeli defense minister—set him aside. If he thinks Hamas is deceiving, the truth will become clear in a few days.

Anchor:
Netanyahu’s office has also just issued a statement saying the same thing—that Hamas is deceiving. Does that mean Israel has no intention of agreeing?

Dr. Bahbah:
From my perspective, Israel has no intention of ending the war or even releasing the hostages. Everyone knows Netanyahu only cares about staying in power and avoiding prison.

Anchor:
But many people feel that Trump hasn’t used enough force to pressure Netanyahu.

Dr. Bahbah:
That’s true. But Trump did apply enough pressure back on January 19 when he said, “Agree to a ceasefire deal,” and Netanyahu did. Now we hope that this time the president will follow through. I believe he genuinely wants to end the war, see the hostages go back to their families, and see Palestinian prisoners freed. I believe he will pressure all sides to reach a solution.

Anchor:
The issue seems clear. Hamas says the card it holds is the hostages. If they release them, what guarantees are there that the war will stop and Israel will withdraw?

Dr. Bahbah:
We’re not at that stage yet. Right now, there’s an offer. The details don’t need to be overly complex. Hostages are released and prisoners exchanged on a set day. On that same day, the war is declared over. Within a week, Israel withdraws from half the Strip. Within another week or two, Israel withdraws from the rest of Gaza.

Anchor:
Is that scenario realistic?

Dr. Bahbah:
If there’s a will, it’s possible.

Anchor:
If Israel has the will, and if the White House has the will to apply pressure…

Dr. Bahbah:
Exactly. The key is American pressure. That’s what will decide whether there’s a deal or not.

For more details, read Drop Site’s full report by jeremy scahill (npub1ljl…vu42) & Jawa Ahmad: Hamas to Trump: We Are Ready to Release All Israeli Captives in Comprehensive Ceasefire Deal. Link in reply.