Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib: Hamas triggered the Iran war. Now it may outlast the Islamic Republic

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib: Hamas triggered the Iran war. Now it may outlast the Islamic Republic

Author: The Times of Israel March 26, 2026 Duration: 53:04

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign for Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse.

This week, the Board of Peace’s top Gaza envoy Nickolay Mladenov revealed the principles of the disarmament proposal submitted to Hamas earlier this month. He urged the international community to pressure the Palestinian terror group to accept the offer in order to prevent another cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip.

But before diving into what these principles entail, we place Hamas and the Gaza Strip into the context of the current US-Israel war on Iran.

Hamas, argues Alkhatib, triggered this war -- and potentially the downfall of the Islamic Republic -- through its murderous onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Will it now be the last terror proxy standing?

And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, what matters now.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2026. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

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Each week, What Matters Now from The Times of Israel focuses deeply on a single, pressing story. This isn't a rapid-fire news recap, but a thoughtful dive into the one topic currently defining life in Israel and influencing Jewish communities worldwide. You'll hear from journalists, analysts, and people directly affected, providing clarity and context on complex developments. The conversation moves beyond headlines to examine the historical roots, present-day realities, and potential futures of each chosen subject. Tune into this weekly podcast for a sustained and nuanced look at the forces at play. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the evolving narrative of the region, offering a dedicated space to truly grasp what matters now.
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