February 4, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
Loay Alshareef and Asher Fredman, two prominent Arab and Israeli peace activists, have expressed their hope that President Donald Trump’s second administration will revitalize and expand the Abraham Accords, transforming the Middle East into a center of peace, prosperity, and innovation.
In a joint article, Alshareef and Fredman reflected on the impact of the 2020 normalization agreement between the UAE and Israel, calling it a “life-changing” event that laid the groundwork for regional cooperation. However, they warned that the progress made since then is now at risk due to rising extremism and ongoing conflicts.
Defeating Extremism: The Key to Lasting Peace
The activists emphasized that true peace in the region requires the defeat of extremist forces, including Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, and Iran-backed militias. They particularly pointed to the current situation in Gaza, where they argue that Hamas’ continued dominance makes long-term stability impossible.
“As long as Hamas remains the dominant force on the ground in Gaza, there is no hope for a future of stability in the Strip,” they wrote. “Even if another entity provides a façade of civilian administration, Hamas, with over 20,000 armed fighters, will reassert control and prepare for the next war.”
They warned that international aid and reconstruction efforts would be futile unless Hamas is dismantled and a process of “deradicalization” begins, similar to the post-World War II denazification of Germany. The UAE’s model of promoting tolerance and coexistence through education was highlighted as a potential blueprint for Gaza’s future.
Addressing Media Incitement and Iran’s Influence
Another major concern raised was the role of media platforms in spreading extremism and undermining normalization efforts. The activists singled out Qatar-based Al Jazeera, accusing it of glorifying Hamas and opposing the Abraham Accords. They urged President Trump to confront the Qatari government over the network’s influence.
Additionally, they stressed that Iran remains the leading destabilizing force in the Middle East, funding and directing terrorist activities across the region. “An end to Iran’s ability to sponsor, fund, and direct terror is necessary to end the recurring wars,” they asserted.
A Vision for the Future: Peace Through Strength
Looking ahead, Alshareef and Fredman believe that renewed U.S. leadership can turn the Middle East into a hub for global trade, security cooperation, and interfaith dialogue. They pointed to initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC) Corridor and a potential Middle East Defense Alliance as examples of how regional partnerships can create economic and security breakthroughs.
“The Abraham Accords began with incredible promise and were on the brink of significant expansion. Over the past four years, that momentum stalled,” they said. “Now, with God’s help, we can work together to Make the Abraham Accords Great Again.”
Both activists reaffirmed their commitment to fostering people-to-people connections across the region and expressed optimism that President Trump’s leadership could reignite the Abraham Accords’ momentum, paving the way for lasting peace.