For the past 2000 years, the Jewish people have been murdered, persecuted and banished from countries all over the world. During the Second World War, Hitler tried to eradicate all the Jews in Europe and managed to exterminate a third of the Jews that were in the world at that time.

Despite these attempts, the Jewish people have survived and have thrived around the world. This story of hope is supported by the establishment of the State of Israel, the homeland for the Jewish people.

But following the horrendous events of October 7th. many in the world are asking whether Israel will exist in 50 or 100 years time.

Since 1948, the Arab world including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organisations have called for the elimination of the Jewish State and have promised their followers that this objective will happen very soon.

In 2021 the Palestinian Authority’s highest religious authority, Grand Mufti Muhammad Hussein, stated that the destruction of Israel is only a matter of time, along with the “liberation” of Jerusalem and its “return to Islam.” Social media platforms regularly expose Palestinian children and young people to claims that Israel’s end is inevitable and the Jews will be killed or driven out.

A few months ago, a poll revealed that 66% of Palestinians believed that Israel would not celebrate its 100th anniversary. Only 27% thought that the Jewish State would still exist in 25 years.

But has anyone taken this poll seriously? The probability that Israel may not exist in just over 20 years, to many is not credible.

And yet when thinking about this fact, the question should perhaps be whether our enemies believe this is a reasonable assumption.

It is well known that the Palestinians normally believe their leaders who constantly state that this is their goal and they are striving to make this objective a reality. Furthermore, the actions of the terrorist organisation that have been able to fire thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians and infiltrate into Israel killing its citizens, keeps the dream of destroying Israel alive.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and eradicate its military capability. Israel has promised to kill the leaders of Hamas and ensure that this terrorist organisation will never be able to repeat the butchery and slaughter that occurred on 7 October.

This is a distinct departure from Israel’s previous attempts that have been based on compromise, concessions and the provision of essential services to Gaza in order to reach an understanding that the conflict can be contained. Netanyahu’s support of Hamas and his attempts to drive a division with the Palestinian Authority have proven to be built on shifting sand.

There is therefore only one way to disabuse the Arabs’ belief that Israel will be overcome and destroyed. Israel must clearly and unequivocally demonstrate that it is strong, powerful and cannot ever be defeated.

This strategy must ensure that Hamas cannot exist after this war. Hamas must never be allowed to raise its head again to massacre Israelis. This has to be the last war against Hamas. The international community must understand that a victory is essential not just for Israel but also for the innocent civilians in Gaza who have for years been oppressed and betrayed by Hamas.

When Hamas is destroyed, the 2 million people of Gaza will be safer and more secure. When Israel destroys Hamas, this outcome will act as a deterrent to other extremist and terrorist organisations that may plan to take its place.

The defeat of Hamas and its removal from Israel’s border will send a strong and resolute message to all Palestinians that the Jewish State is permanent and will not fall.

Not in 25 years, not in 100 years and not beyond.

But a long-term solution to this conflict will still be essential in order to deliver a lasting and secure peace to the people of Israel and Gaza.

The world has lost faith and can no longer see a future for the Two State Solution. The obstacles associated with amalgamating Gaza and the West Bank into a single Palestinian State continue to present challenges that are difficult to resolve.

The daily news reports from Gaza show extensive destruction and the rubble of many buildings. In order to establish the infrastructure suitable for the returning civilians, Gaza will have to be rebuilt.

This will be a project for the countries of the world that must strive to make Gaza a better place to live. This will only be achieved if the inhabitants of this newly developed area can live in peace and security, free of extremists and terrorists.

Perhaps it is time for some radical and lateral thinking. Perhaps a lesson can be learned from other parts of the Middle East. Perhaps the success of the Emirates can be imported to the Middle East.

Perhaps Gaza can become an independent area similar to the emirates of Abu Dhabi or Dubai. If so, perhaps its security and independence could be ensured by Egypt and Israel, two countries that share a border with Gaza and have a real interest in maintaining peace for its citizens.

With my imagination running wild and my eyes closed, I can see Gaza becoming in 20 years’ time a holiday destination with its own airport, hotels, a port and a marina. A holiday destination that will economically support its population and enable its people to have a better life.

I have now opened my eyes and reality has returned.