Hamas Rejects Israel’s Right to Exist, Tony Shaffer tells Newsmax

In a Wednesday interview on Newsmax, Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and highlighted the challenge posed by Hamas’ refusal to accept Israel’s right to exist.

Before Oct. 7, when a permanent cease-fire was in place, Israel had expressed openness to a two-state solution. However, despite having their demands met, Hamas chose to launch attacks. Shaffer explained on “Carl Higbie FRONTLINE” that “the one sticking point that continues to be front and center is the refusal of Hamas to accept the right of existence of Israel.”

He emphasized the difficulty of negotiating peace with a group committed to Israel’s eradication, stating, “If you’re trying to make peace with someone who has stated that their primary policy objective is to eradicate you, you’re not going to have a peace agreement.”

Concerns about negotiating with groups dedicated to destruction led Shaffer to assert that the Israelis had no choice but to “move forward,” especially in light of the need to rescue hostages, including Americans.

Efforts to secure a new cease-fire have recently gained momentum. Egyptian and U.S. officials have long hoped to find common ground to stop the 110-day-long war. Israel has reportedly proposed a pause in fighting, and the White House dispatched a senior envoy for consultations with Egypt and Qatar.

Any potential deal would require a cease-fire, the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, and significant humanitarian aid for the war-battered Gaza Strip.

Speaking anonymously about behind-the-scenes negotiations, an Israeli official said, “They have not yielded results,” acknowledging ongoing efforts and adding that “there is a long road ahead.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

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