Hamas - Israel: Dialogue?

There has been recent rumors stemming from Hamas leadership indicating that Hamas is willing to broker a cease fire with Israel. This is not the first time that Hamas says one thing, and does something else. [This is a very common behavior in the Middle East, a region filled with censorship - resulting in the inability of populations worldwide to recognize this deceitful behavior]

Still, Israel should consider the offer in all seriousness - and consider the implications and requirements of such a cease fire agreement.

As such, Barak recently met with the Egyptians, and the following are the guidelines of the agreement (courtesy of Debka):


1. Hamas will suspend its missile and mortar fire on Israeli communities across the border and make its allies comply with the ceasefire.

2. Israel must give the US and Egypt guarantees for the cancellation of its planned major ground offensive against Gaza and halt the IDF’s 2-3 km penetrations and the targeting of terrorist chiefs and missile crews.

3. Egypt will invite a US military force, including engineering teams, to deploy along the Gaza-Egyptian border for a joint operation to end smuggling from Sinai.

4. Gilead Shalit, the Israeli soldier kidnapped last year, will be freed in exchange for jailed Palestinian terrorists whose number is still in negotiation.

5. If the deal holds up for three months, the US and Israel will not object to the Palestinian Authority’s Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas opening a dialogue for a Palestinian national unity government.


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This agreement could be a major breakthrough for Israel's core interests;
1) Peace and quiet - no more rocket attacks
2) Secure the release of Gilad Shalit
3) US and Egypt work together to block arms smuggling

For the Palestinians, they will save themselves the horror of another military operation and incurstion - essentially, loss of life, loss of weaponry, loss of stability. Also, this agreement (if implemented) could pave way for the re-engagement of the PLO and Hamas.

I personally think the deal makes a lot of sense for both parties, but unfortunately, the realist in me senses a hidden agenda on Hamas' part.
I still see Iran playing strings - including manipulation of Hamas' Public Relations.


As always... only time will tell in this dynamic region of....

Gaza Encounters - What's Next?

It's been 2 years since Israel disengaged from Gaza, leaving 100% of Gaza in the control of the Palestinians. The motivating factor was peace and quiet from Israel's perspective. Unfortunately, we have seen once again, that this factor is not common with the Palestinians. Instead of peace and quiet, Hamas conducted a brutal campaign against the "so called" moderate PLO, and took 100% control of Gaza from the PLO. In addition, more than 3,500 rockets were launched from Gaza into Israeli towns, most specifically Sderot. Imagine that... two years filled with thousands of rocket attacks.

Israel has shown relative constraint during these years. This is mainly due to US and external pressure in hopes of boosting Abbas and his PLO in the West Bank. The hope was that isolation and sanctions on Hamas will reduce their power - and create more critics of the Hamas.

This route has failed all parties.

First, the poor residents of Sderot haven't lived normal lives for more than two years. That is, constant sirens sending them to bomb shelters. The economy is destroyed. All people are asbolutely begging the Government to do more to stop the rocket attacks.

Second, the Palestinians are still miserable. Hamas has totally failed their people and instead of encouraging a "rebuilding" environment and process, they have only made things worse in terms of poverty, infrastructure, and unity.

Lastly, the International community has decided to adopt a "blind eye" policy. You rarely hear any criticisms from the Intl. community regarding the continious bombardment of Qassam rockets being launched from Gaza.

As such, the pressure being put on Israel's government is starting to mount. Last night, 12 terrorists were killed in multiple military operations. Reports indicate that an increase in military activity in Gaza will continue to intensify. Some are even suggesting that large scale operation and incursion will take place - in which elements in the region can easily heat up.

Hamas has already declared a state of alert and readiness. We will now see what Israel does.. but don't be suprised if the conflict flares up from Gaza and spreads to other regions (Hizbollah/North).

Brace yourselves!