Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor has offered a cautious response to reports suggesting Hamas may agree to a ceasefire. Speaking to German broadcasters RTL and ntv on Thursday, Ambassador Prosor expressed relief at the emerging reports but emphasized a deeply skeptical view of the organization.
“I am first glad that reports now show that Hamas might agree. But we know Hamas. It is a pact with the devil” Prosor stated. He highlighted the dire conditions of hostages held in Gaza for nearly two years, noting a complete lack of communication or aid for those inside. “From my point of view, we will do everything to bring the hostages home. We have always said yes, Hamas has always said no to these proposals”. He voiced hope that a deal could be reached this time, leading to the hostages’ return.
Ambassador Prosor reiterated Israel’s position that Hamas cannot remain in the Gaza Strip following the October 7th attacks. “Hamas carried out a massacre on October 7th and Hamas cannot remain in Gaza. This military infrastructure must be eliminated so that we can build something new” he asserted. “We cannot have a different region, an optimistic future, with Hamas. And we must all understand this. Hamas cannot remain.
While acknowledging the continued presence of Hamas’ ideology, Prosor contrasted its current capabilities with those of ISIS. “The ideology will still be there, but compared to Islamic State, they do not have the ability to put this ideology into practice. That is to say: to kill and murder Israelis and Jews. We will never accept that again.
Looking towards a lasting peace in Gaza, Prosor emphasized the potential of the Abraham Accords as a framework for expansion. “We can expand this with additional states. Instead of war, to move towards peace. Now, after a year and a half, after Israel fought on seven fronts, for the first time there is a government without Hezbollah in Lebanon. Assad is no longer there, the mullahs and ayatollahs are weakened and Hamas is weakened” Prosor explained. “Now we have a chance to bring a better future to this region”.