A Ceasefire Begins

3 weeks after it began, the Israeli offensive in Gaza has ended, but not before perhaps more than a thousand people were killed. But the ceasefire that began yesterday with a unilateral decision by the Israelis and then affirmed by Hamas is only a week lull in the fighting unless something can be done to resolve at least some of the issues outstanding.

It would appear that the Israelis want an end to the rockets and the smuggling, and Hamas wants an end to the siege. Longer term peace requires that both sides get at least some of what they want.

Hostilities have ended but Gaza's infrastructure has been decimated. It will take much effort to rebuild. But, Hamas remains in place, so what was the purpose?

We continue to pray.