If Hamas lives, then terrorism wins.

 ISRAEL NEEDS TO VOICE A SOLUTION, WHILE ELIMINATING HAMAS

MAJOR COUNTRIES WANT A PATH OTHER THAN WAR

While we see riots everywhere, all part of the media campaign of Hamas and others to provoke war with Israel, it is time for proposals for lasting solutions.

I suspect that Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, the other gulf States and Egypt would like an end to the situation in Israel and Palestine. Of course, we can assume that the United States and western Europe would also like a solution.At present, the distraction is the imminent ground offensive into Gaza and the possible repercussions from the radical groups in the region. Of course,  these groups objective is to save Hamas. It could be assumed that the demise of Hamas could be an indication of their own future.

Israel must eliminate Hamas, they cannot be allowed to survive, and contrary to present narrative, they do not have to get in to prolonged ground war to succeed. Hamas may have several thousand fighters, I suspect they will have fewer after those who are willing to fight are dying. Israel needs to transparently voice their objective of eliminating Hamas, and they have the resources to accomplish that.

Israel has the technology to identify the location of the Hamas tunnel networks, they have the weaponry to suck all the oxygen our of these tunnels and seal them, making life impossible. Above ground resistance can be eliminated by Israeli air power. Will every Hamas members or supporters be eliminated? No, but they can be decimated to a non existent political power in Gaza.

Someone other than the United States needs to propose a serious solution to this 70 year conflict. Whether it is a cooperative effort from the gulf countries and other major powers it can be a proposal to end this once and for all. The United States can offer input, but any plan put up by the United States will be a non-starter for the Arab world.

One idea, a possible starting point, if nothing else to stimulate discussion and focus away from war would be a plan that would be two part.

Any independent Palestinian nation on the border with Israel will most likely be just a continuation of conflict forever. The best solution for everyone would be a new homeland for this population, one not on the border of Israel. While this sounds like an unrealistic idea, and would cost a lot of money, the present situation also costs a lot of money.

One part would be that Israel would agree to pay every head of household $500,000 for their present real estate in the west bank and Gaza. Israel could raise the money from contributions and loans.

The Arab nations could find a suitable piece of land that could be purchased in the region, possibly in the Sinai and pay Egypt or some other country, the value of this real estate. It would be a very worthwhile investment. Then this group could arrange infrastructure investment and start building. The population could then purchase land in this new country from their payment from Israel. It could be an opportunity for the peace seeking displaced population for a future, one without war and death. 

Would everyone in the these lands want this solution, of course not, some would like to continue fighting for ever, or until Israel is eliminated, just as the situation has been for decades. I suspect the vast majority would welcome a chance to begin a new life by a new opportunity for the future.

Any offer of a solution can began a process for a lasting solution, while the one above may never materialize, without offers of serious plans, it will be a future of just more death and destruction. I think most would agree that it is a ripe time for solutions that do not hinge on the destruction of Israel. One that would let both parties live in peace and opportunity without continuous conflict with each other.