ALBAWABA– The Israeli publication Maariv saw no viable alternatives to Hamas as Gaza's de facto leader after the battle.
The article compared the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, where the Israeli force faces opposition despite the 2002 invasion. In Gaza, Hamas dominates both military and civilian life, unlike in the West Bank.
Hamas still controls Gaza's military and civil affairs despite Israeli bombings and ground operations. Israeli officials often argue how to distribute assistance in Gaza, but they always condemn Hamas' control but have failed to provide a solution.
No civilian government option for Gaza is proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. From six months ago, he opposed engaging the Palestinian Authority because it may lead to a two-state solution.
No Real Hamas Alternative
Mahariv says Israel's Gaza strategic dilemma is that Hamas is in charge because there is no viable alternative. An unidentified senior Israeli military commander told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israeli elections may come before Netanyahu proposes an alternate Gaza administration plan.
The publication says "It is time to admit there is no realistic alternative to Hamas, and it seems Hamas will continue to govern Gaza." Netanyahu officially withdrawing his opposition to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza will not change the situation.
Hamas officials think a prisoner swap arrangement would push the Israeli army out of Gaza, restoring their administration and sovereignty before the fighting.
