Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin said Sunday that eliminating Hamas is necessary for a lasting peace in Gaza, amid reports that a cease-fire could come soon in the Israel-Hamas war.
Mr. Cardin, Maryland Democrat, said peace is possible but only after securing the region from the control of the Palestinian militant group.
“There is no future for Israel or the Palestinians with Hamas in Gaza,” Mr. Cardin told “Fox News Sunday.” “Hamas must be taken out. That is very clear for a pathway forward for the people of Gaza as well as security for Israel.”
The work on a cease-fire is ongoing. Word spread Saturday from a senior Biden administration official that Israel essentially endorsed a proposed framework for a cease-fire and a hostage exchange that was waiting on Hamas’ agreement.
Mr. Cardin said he expects that the first hostages to be released would be from vulnerable populations and that American captives may not be among them.
“We do have some understanding as to the first categories of hostages that would be released, they are called the vulnerable hostages: the children, the women, the injured,” Mr. Cardin said. “But it’s unlikely that many of, most of the Americans we believe were male soldiers and we’re not sure that they will be in the first category.”
The senator said he wants all hostages released and knows many world leaders are eager to help rebuild Gaza.
Negotiators are working to secure a pause in the fighting before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins next week, and a lingering impediment revolves around Hamas’ willingness to release vulnerable hostages, according to senior Biden administration officials.
An Egyptian official told The Associated Press that Hamas is expected to respond to mediators Egypt and Qatar during talks scheduled to start Sunday in Cairo.
The prospect of extending the pause into an enduring peace is grim but Mr. Cardin said it is possible.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman said a two-state solution can happen with Hamas gone and recognition of Israel’s rights.
“The Palestinian Authority needs to be revamped,” Mr. Cardin said. “You need to by actions and deeds recognize Israel, and then if there’s peace, if there’s security in the region, there will be a pathway forward for two states living side-by-side in peace.”
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.
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