Hamas is Bad News

In these trying times for Palestinians and Israelis, Muslims and Jews, it is important for American Muslims and their supporters to be morally consistent. We are on solid ground condemning an Israeli government which regards Palestinians as second class. We are justified in demanding a course correction for our own government which essentially gave a green light to Israel’s war on Gaza, knowing full well that it would be reckless with Palestinian lives.

At the same time, we need to take an unequivocal stand against groups which seek the annihilation of Israel in the name of Islam. 

Put aside for a moment anything one could find in the Qur’an to supposedly justify that stance. Consider only what is best for Palestinian families, Israeli families, and everyone else. Apart from ego gratification, no one benefits when a Hamas leader promises more attacks like that of October 7, with the goal of annihilating Israel.

No one. Such talk and thinking will only lead to more horror and suffering. It should infuriate Muslims everywhere.

Hamas is bad news. If Allah wants a Palestinian state from the river to the sea, Allah will find a way. In the meantime, Muslims are obliged to observe Islam faithfully, and reject terror and hatred of any people. Muslims are called to return evil with something better.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Allowing for some difference of opinion as to what that phrase means exactly, it is fair to say the most obvious one envisions the elimination of Israel. 

That is not helpful now, and I cannot imagine a time when it will be. 

Muslims everywhere should rally around the two-state solution, including the abandonment of every Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 

With all settlements removed from Palestinian territory, Israel would still retain 78 percent of historical Palestine. That is not fair to the Palestinians, but it is the best deal within reach. Someday, Allah-willing, there might be some accommodation of the Palestinian right of return, but first there must be sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Because 78 percent of historical Palestine is plenty fair to Israelis, it is eminently reasonable for peace-loving people to insist on it.