The Cycle of Violence Continues
The battle between Israel and Hamas continues into it's 6th day. The death toll on the Palestinian side has climbed to 400 or more, while about 4 Israeli's have died. While the Israeli's may not be targeting civilians and noncombatants, in such a small packed area, it is difficult not to hit civilians.
The target of the attacks include the tunnels that are used to smuggle items between Egypt and Gaza. Now, arms and rockets do come through these tunnels, but so does much of the resources used by the Gazans, who have lived under a state of siege these many months since Hamas took control. About 2/3rds of the enclave's commercial goods have come through these tunnels.
What we see so far is that despite the continued shelling, Hamas remains undeterred. Indeed, it seems to have hardened its resolve. At the same time Israel is resisting all calls for diplomacy and/or a truce. It seems intent on extending this for as long as possible, thinking that they can destroy Hamas.
I understand the position, I just don't think that it will prove fruitful. As long as the Palestinians feel that they are being denied their rights to self-determination they will continue to resist. The rockets do little damage inside Israel, but they do show that spirit of resistance is unfailing.
Thus, I continue to pray for cool heads and a peaceful resolution. I pray that President-Elect Obama and his diplomatic team led by Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton will make this issue a top priority from day one and will remain committed to it for the duration. Trying to work out peace agreements in the waning months of an administration simply will not work.
The target of the attacks include the tunnels that are used to smuggle items between Egypt and Gaza. Now, arms and rockets do come through these tunnels, but so does much of the resources used by the Gazans, who have lived under a state of siege these many months since Hamas took control. About 2/3rds of the enclave's commercial goods have come through these tunnels.
What we see so far is that despite the continued shelling, Hamas remains undeterred. Indeed, it seems to have hardened its resolve. At the same time Israel is resisting all calls for diplomacy and/or a truce. It seems intent on extending this for as long as possible, thinking that they can destroy Hamas.
I understand the position, I just don't think that it will prove fruitful. As long as the Palestinians feel that they are being denied their rights to self-determination they will continue to resist. The rockets do little damage inside Israel, but they do show that spirit of resistance is unfailing.
Thus, I continue to pray for cool heads and a peaceful resolution. I pray that President-Elect Obama and his diplomatic team led by Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton will make this issue a top priority from day one and will remain committed to it for the duration. Trying to work out peace agreements in the waning months of an administration simply will not work.
Comments
I don't know if you know this, but Obama isn't the President yet. He can call whoever he wants, but he has no authority until January 20th. And at this point GW Bush doesn't want to put a stop to anything.
And do you really think the US has any real authority in the world? Not anymore. Those days are over.
Hamas doesn't listen to anyone, and neither does Israel. The only way Israel would listen to us would be if we cut off all aid to them.
I'm sorry, but I must disagree. You underestimate the magnetism of President Obama. All he need do is pick up the phone and call the leaders of Hamas and Israel and tell them what he wants. He need not threaten anything. They will do what Obama asks simply because he asks it.
It is irrelevant that President Obama is not yet sworn in. The whole world recognizes him as the President right now. Bush is a nobody. Obama is now the U.S. President, as far as the world is concerned.