Perspective 155. Does Trump Scare Hamas?

Trump to Hamas: “Release all of the Hostages now . . . or it is all OVER for you . . . . not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say . . . . This is your last warning . . . [otherwise] you are DEAD!”

So – is Hamas trembling in apprehension over America’s (that is, Trump’s) might?

No. Trump’s rant is simply another illustration of how little he understands the Middle East. Hamas has calmly brushed the bloviation aside, reaffirming its commitment to release all hostages as part of Phase 2 of the ceasefire, still being negotiated. And as a militant organization that cherishes martyrdom and has already lost half its fighters, the threat of more death rings hollow.

In perspective, Hamas has just endured 15 months of sustained Israeli attacks designed to kill as many of its fighters as possible, with an estimated 48,000 military and civilian Gazans dead in the process. Over 60 percent of Gaza’s buildings are damaged or destroyed and over 90 percent of its population displaced.

So exactly how does Trump think he can make this yet more terrifying, so that the maniacal myrmidons of Hamas will meekly do his bidding? Will he drop bigger bombs than Israel has had at its disposal? Will he stream poison gas into the tunnels, killing the hostages he is supposedly rescuing? Will he nuke Gaza City, thus clearing the ground for the Grand Trump Resort and Casino?

In short, it is difficult to credibly threaten Hamas with more than has already been thrown against it. Trump was more relevant when he strong-armed Netanyahu into accepting the ceasefire, with its Phase 2 provision for the return of all living hostages in return for the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. That should remain the focus.

But Phase 2 depends, as previously preached in these missives, on the provision of an alternative to Hamas as administrator of Gaza – and the disarming of Hamas, which is the really sticky part.

Here, if Trump really likes strong-arming others, he could try his luck with Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, who together hold the key to a solution: an authentic Palestinian government, to be replaced eventually by a reformed and revitalized Palestinian Authority and – in the end -- by a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza.

And the disarmed leaders of Hamas could go to whatever destination would take them in (Iran?). That is more doable than the hare-brained notion of getting Arab nations to take in the entire Gaza population.

In the meantime, Trump should can the threats. Hamas isn’t scared.