A win-win solution requires changing perspectives and context. Gazans could have access to an air and sea port in nearby El Arish, under full Egyptian control.
The Gaza Strip, an artificial construct without any historical, demographic, or cultural integrity or meaning, was, is and will continue to be inherently unstable. Created by Egypt in 1949 to serve as an area for refugees and UNRWA-sponsored “camps” (towns), it became a base for terrorists; except for the time when it was under Israeli control, its violent character and purpose never changed. Therefore, attempts to convince or force Hamas to change and rehabilitate will fail as long as policy makers continue to view the area as a distinct, coherent political and geographical entity.
The Israeli government’s unwillingness to re-occupy the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas has brought us to a dead end. Israel cannot allow Hamas to build sea and air ports which would be used to import weapons. Hamas refuses to agree to Israeli restrictions, which it sees as a form of occupation, and it will certainly never disarm. Monitors and international organizations cannot control what goes on in the Gaza Strip – tunnels for smuggling and attacking Israel will no doubt continue to be built. Both sides, therefore, are preparing for the next confrontation.
A win-win solution requires changing perspectives and context. Gazans could have access to an air and sea port in nearby El Arish, under full Egyptian control.
Egypt has an interest in preventing Hamas from renewing its military capacity, since Hamas has armed militants in the Sinai and has threatened Egyptian interests and control. Egypt would also gain economically from imports and exports through El Arish. No Egyptian territory or authority would be diminished.
Gazans would be able to travel easily to El Arish for business and commerce.