Israel seeks captives’ return and Hamas removal, not Gaza takeover: Analysis

In an Al Jazeera interview, Dan Perry, former Associated Press editor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Ask Questions Later publisher, argued Israel's war aims focus on hostage recovery and Hamas's removal rather than ethnic cleansing. He acknowledged Gaza's humanitarian crisis but disputed claims of Israeli genocidal intent, noting most Israelis oppose Hamas rule. Perry suggested reconstruction leverage could force Hamas to disarm, though warned Israel's planned offensive risks bloody urban warfare. He emphasised the Egypt-Israel blockade's security rationale and Hamas's responsibility for Gaza's devastation since their 2007 takeover. While dismissing exaggerated reservist call-up reports, he conceded any invasion would be messy but insisted the war could end instantly if Hamas surrendered – a view he said most Gazans secretly share. Perry concluded Netanyahu's coalition politics, not military necessity, prolongs the war. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #BenjaminNetanyahu #GazaAnnexationPlan #GazaOccupationPlan #IsraelGazaWar #GazaWar #GazaEvacuations #GazaGenocide #GazaForcedDisplacement