Economist Podcasts A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its options
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Aug 15, 2025 
Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into the shifting dynamics of Hamas amid internal and external pressures. He discusses the organization's potential disarmament and the significant risks involved in such a move, revealing hesitations among militants about surrendering their fight for liberation. Pelham also touches on the emotional factors impacting market behaviors, challenging traditional views of risk in investment strategies. Additionally, a historical look back to Japan’s surrender in 1945 reflects on the complexities of post-conflict recovery.
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Hamas Faces Multilateral Pressure To Disarm
- Hamas faces mounting pressure to disarm from Israeli military action and international mediators.
- A proposal in Cairo would trade decommissioning for Israeli withdrawal and an interim technocratic administration.
Leadership And Regional Shifts Shape Hamas Choices
- Khalil al-Hayya holds decisive influence over Gaza's Hamas wing and is under extreme external pressure.
- Regional backers like Hezbollah and Iran have been weakened, reducing Hamas's external support network.
Civilian Suffering Erodes Local Support
- Support for Hamas inside Gaza has eroded as civilians suffer severe destruction and deprivation.
- Procrastination over ceasefire talks fuels growing frustration and dissent among Gazans.