'Hamas isn’t going anywhere': Amos Harel on the hard realities facing Trump and Netanyahu in postwar Gaza

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Oct 16, 2025

Amos Harel, a senior security analyst at Haaretz, dives into the complexities of post-war Gaza and Hamas's unyielding presence. He highlights the significance of the recent hostage returns while expressing concerns about Hamas's determination to retain power and weapons. The discussion also explores the potential for international forces in Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and Trump's provocative call for Netanyahu's pardon. Harel critiques political dynamics and reflects on the implications for regional diplomacy in the wake of the conflict.

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INSIGHT

Hostage Release Is A Major But Partial Victory

The return of living hostages is the best news Israel has had in two years and a major achievement.
Significant challenges remain, especially unresolved issues about bodies and long-term security in Gaza.

INSIGHT

Control Of Gaza Is The Core Unresolved Issue

Key questions about Gaza remain unresolved: who rules, who holds weapons, and the extent of Israeli withdrawal.
Hamas signals it will stay and keep arms, making those questions exceptionally hard to settle.

INSIGHT

International Force Faces Dangerous Timing Gap

An international force is reportedly planned to enter Gaza next month, but timing is optimistic and risky.
The interim weeks could allow Hamas to reassert control across the Strip.

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The miraculous release of Israel’s remaining 20 living hostages in Gaza may have been “the best news we’ve had for the last two years,” Haaretz senior security analyst Amos Harel said on the Haaretz Podcast. Yet a great deal remains to be resolved before anything resembling security is in place for Palestinians in Gaza or for Israelis.

Inside Gaza, Harel noted, “Hamas is already making its intentions clear – to remain by any means necessary. They're not going anywhere. They do not intend to dismantle their weapons.” He points to their recent violent execution of suspected Israeli collaborators and aggressive attacks on clans and factions who challenge their authority.

With host Allison Kaplan Sommer, Harel breaks down the various complications regarding a postwar Gaza: Hamas’ failure to return a significant number of the bodies of the deceased hostages, the possible involvement of international forces to reign in Hamas after the IDF withdraws, the flow of humanitarian aid and how the Strip will be governed.

He also reflected on Donald Trump’s boldly frank speech in the Knesset in which the U.S. leader openly called on Israel’s president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his corruption trial.

“Netanyahu’s crowd has been complaining and whining for the last two days that he's not getting enough respect and not enough ‘thank you’s’ for bringing the hostages back,” Harel said. “Well, there's a simple reason for that. ...It was not thanks to Netanyahu. It was because Trump finally pulled weight and forced Netanyahu’s hand. This is what happened.”

Trump: I Spoke to Hamas; They Said They Will Disarm. If They Don't, We Will, 'Perhaps Violently'

This Isn't Over': Families of Deceased Israeli Hostages Warn of Government Neglect, Public Fatigue

Trump Urges Pardon for Netanyahu in Knesset Address: 'Give Him a Pardon, Come On'

'The Color Is Returning to His Face': Parents of Freed Hostages Share Details From Gaza Captivity

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