Israel and Hamas: The Chances of Peace
Authors
Full Professor of the National University of Public Service in Budapest (Hungary)
Retired COL of the Hungarian Army (Hungary)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100500624
Subject Category: Peace and conflict
Volume/Issue: 10/5 | Page No: 9285-9303
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-05-10
Accepted: 2026-05-15
Published: 2026-06-09
Abstract
At the time of writing, the world’s attention is focused on the US-Iran-Israeli conflict, and little media attention is given to Gaza, where military clashes continue despite the peace agreement signed by Donald Trump on October 13, 2025. The conflict has not ended; it has only reached a lower level of intensity.
This study examines the obstacles to a lasting settlement of the Gaza conflict, with particular attention to Hamas’s ideology, the geopolitical specificities of the region, and the internal Palestinian political divisions. The authors present Hamas’s armed activities from its founding in 1987 to 2025, emphasizing the cyclical reproduction of violence, characterized by regularly violated ceasefires, rocket attacks, and Israeli military responses. The analysis highlights the strategic significance of the attack on October 7, 2023, and its impact on the dynamics of the conflict.
The objective of this study is to present the factors that, in the current political situation, exclude the chances of a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the thesis methodologically applies the methods of geopolitical, security policy, and conflict psychology approaches.
The study argues that the economic collapse of the Gaza Strip, its demographic structure, and Hamas’s religious-ideological radicalism create a structural environment that hinders peaceful political development. In addition, the Fatah-Hamas rivalry delegitimizes the Palestinian representational system, making a negotiated settlement impossible. The authors conclude that under the current circumstances, there is a chance that the reconciliation process will continue or stall. Reconciliation requires a very strong political will on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
Keywords
Hamas, Israel, terrorism, two-state solution
Downloads
References
1. ABC Net Australia (2004, January 20): Israel targets Hamas cleric for 'liquidation.' https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-01-20/israel-targets-hamas-cleric-for-liquidation/122374 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Beyond The Horizon, MENA Task Force (2025, October 14): A Turning Point in the Middle East? The Strategic Stakes of the Gaza Peace Plan. https://behorizon.org/a-turning-point-in-the-middle-east-the-strategic-stakes-of-the-gaza-peace-plan/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. B’Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (2010 September 27): 10 years to the second Intifada – summary of data https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20100927 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Counterterrorism Center (2014). Terrorist Groups. Hamas. https://www.dni.gov/nctc/groups/hamas.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Des Roshes, D. (2025, July 17): How Hamas Changed Its Strategy Before October 7. Arab Center, Washington DC. https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-changing-nature-of-israel-hamas-warfare/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Department of State (2000): The Oslo Accords and the Arab-Israeli Peace Process. Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1993-2000/oslo [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. De Luce, D., Cavazuti, L., (2023, October 25): Gaza is plagued by poverty, but Hamas has no shortage of cash. Where does it come from? https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gaza-plagued-poverty-hamas-no-shortage-cash-come-rcna121099 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. DW (2012, July 12): Israel completes 'iron wall' along Gaza border. Conflicts/Israel. https://www.dw.com/en/israel-completes-iron-wall-along-gaza-border/a-60050902 ) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Eissa, S. (2025, June 2 ): Q&A: What do Israel’s shifting tactics in Gaza tell us about what’s ahead? https://acleddata.com/qa/qa-what-do-israels-shifting-tactics-gaza-tell-us-about-whats-ahead-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Ebner, J., Kavanagh, C., Whitehouse, H., (2025, August, 22): Is There a Language of Terrorists? A Comparative Manifesto Analysis. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. ISSN: 1057-610X, Vol. 48, 2025. Issue 6. pp. 601-628. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. European Union Security and Defence Policy (March 2009): EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM RAFAH). Fact Sheet, PRESS - EU Council Secretariat https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/wgme/dv/13_factsheeteubamrafahversion10_/13_factsheeteubamrafahversion10_en.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Fabian, E. (2025, September 17): Laser-based ‘Iron Beam’ interception system declared operational. Time of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/laser-based-iron-beam-interception-system-declared-operational/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Federation of American Scientists: The Covenant of Hamas – Main Points https://irp.fas.org/world/para/docs/880818a.htm [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Goldenberg, S. (2000, September, 29): Rioting as Sharon visits Islam holy site. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/sep/29/israel [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Guarnieri M., (2011, June 28): The blockade on Gaza began long before Hamas came to power. +972 Magazin. https://www.972mag.com/the-blockade-on-gaza-began-long-before-hamas-came-to-power/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Hoffman, B. (2006): Inside Terrorism (Columbia University Press) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Iddon, P., (2025, September 1): What is driving Egypt's troop buildup on Gaza's border?. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-rushes-military-convoys-gaza-border-tensions-israel-flare [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Institute for Middle East Understanding (2005, October 28): What Happened at Camp David in 2000? https://imeu.org/resources/palestine-101/what-happened-at-camp-david-in-2000-1/353 ) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at Israel Intelligence' Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC) (2007, March, 01): The nature and extent of Palestinian terrorism, 2006. https://www.gov.il/en/pages/palestinian-terrorism-2006 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. International Labor Organisation (2024): A Year of War in Gaza: Impacts on Employment and Livelihoods in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. October 2024, Bulletin No. 5. Published by International Labour Organization Regional Office for the Arab States, Lebanon [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. IME: What Happened at Camp David in 2000? October 28, 2005 https://imeu.org/resources/palestine-101/what-happened-at-camp-david-in-2000-1/353 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Israeli Defence Forces (2024, October 6): The October 7 Massacre: Explained. Remembering the October Massacre. https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/remembering-the-october-7-massacre/the-october-7-massacre-explained/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Jewish Virtual Library (2017): Hamas: General Principles and Policies https://jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hamas-2017-document-of-general-principles-and-policies [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Knell, Y., Abualouf, A. (2026, May 7): Fears of renewed Gaza war as Hamas disarmament talks stall. BBC NEWS. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6p5l3n2q3o [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Levitt, M., (2006): Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad (Yale University Press) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Magid, P., Al-Mughrabi, N., Cornwell, A. (2026, April 29): Israeli map outlines expanded zone of military control in Gaza. World News. https://www.reuters.com/world/israeli-maps-outline-expanded-zone-military-control-gaza-2026-04-29/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Marteu, E., (2017, October 18): Fatah and Hamas face huge challenges despite the reconciliation agreement. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Mandour, M., (2021, July 21). Egypt’s Shifting Hamas Policies. Carneige Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2021/07/egypts-shifting-hamas-policies [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Medoff, R. (2023, November 25): Mein Kampf in Gaza—and Beyond. Jewish Journal https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/365661/mein-kampf-in-gaza-and-beyond/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Mendelsohn, B., (2025, July 14): Understanding Qatar’s Relationship with Hamas: A Critical Exploration of State-Sponsored Terrorism. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. ISSN: 1057-610X, Published by Routledge on 14 July 2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/1057610X.2025.2528342 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Mohammad, L. (2023, October 19): Children make up nearly half of Gaza's population. Here's what it means for the war. NPR, Middle East Conflict. https://www.npr.org/2023/10/19/1206479861/israel-gaza-hamas-children-population-war-palestinians [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Momani, B., (2012, November 22): With Gaza Ceasefire, Egypt’s Morsi Becomes A Serious Player. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/with-gaza-ceasefire-egypts-morsi-becomes-a-serious-player/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Regular, A., (2004, November 10): Sources: Suha Arafat Rejects $2 Million Settlement From Palestinian Authority. Haaretz. November 10, 2004. https://www.haaretz.com/2004-11-10/ty-article/sources-suha-arafat-rejects-2-million-settlement-from-palestinian-authority/0000017f-e16d-d75c-a7ff-fdedd3670000 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Dr. Rubin, U. (2011, October 24): Iron Dome in Action: A Preliminary Evaluation. BESA Center. https://besacenter.org/iron-dome-in-action-a-preliminary-evaluation/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Samir, A., (2026, January 12): How Egypt’s Zad Al-Izza Became Gaza’s Strategic Lifeline https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/144444/How-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Zad-Al-Izza-Became-Gaza%E2%80%99s-Strategic-Lifeline [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Soliman, M., 2017, November 9.): Cairo and the Reconfiguration of the Palestinian Landscape. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/cairo-and-reconfiguration-palestinian-landscape. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Sher, G., Ofek, L., Winter, O. (2017): The Hamas Document of Principles: Can a Leopard Change Its Spots? Strategic Assessment, Volume 20, Nr 2. July 2017. pp. 85-97 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (October 9, 2005): Hamas Tactics: Lessons from recent attacks, Policy Watch 522, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/hamass-tactics-lessons-recent-attacks [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. TOI STAFF: (2026, May 8): Poll: 42% of Likud voters considering or have decided to back a different party in the fall. Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-42-of-likud-voters-considering-or-have-decided-to-back-different-party-in-fall/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. UN World Population Review (2023): Gaza. Palestine. https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/palestine/gaza [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Wermenbol, G., (2019): Disrupting a delicate status quo: The Hamas crackdown on Salafi-jihadists. Middle East Institute, October 22, 2019. https://mei.edu/publication/disrupting-delicate-status-quo-hamas-crackdown-salafi-jihadists/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Zanotti, J., Sharp, J., M., (2024): Israel and Hamas Conflict In Brief: Overview, U.S. Policy, and Options for Congress, October 4, 2024. Published by Congressional Research Center [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Investigating the Effectiveness of Voluntary Repatriation, Third-Country Resettlement, and Local Integration as Durable Solutions for Refugeehood
- The Role of Women in Peace-Making: Global Perspective and the Indian Context
- The Effectiveness of Institutional Governance in Mitigating the Conflicts Between Farmers and Herders in Coastal Regions, Tanzania
- Beyond Conflict Intervention: Unmasking Gulf Supremacy Rivalries and Strategic Interests in the Horn of Africa
- Social Media and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities