Here are the conditions for a Hamas cease-fire, the one that the Egyptians are trying to broker, and the one that supposedly is stopping Ehud Olmert from sending the IDF back into Gaza:
“Hamas’ conditions are clear: We will halt our fire in exchange for a complete end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and in the West Bank, and a lifting of the blockade on Gaza.”
“Otherwise, we have no intention of halting our activities against Israel,” he said.
Got that? The IDF doesn’t get to stop terrorist attacks, arrest terrorists on their way to performing terrorist attacks, or find terrorist support groups after a terrorist attack has occurred. Israel has to stop defending herself completely. In return, Hamas will call for a “hudna.”
Another Hamas official, Mushir al-Masri, said the militant group must have a say in the running of the border crossings – a demand Israel would likely oppose.
Al-Masri said “Abbas’ monopolizing of the crossing management is an extinct … experiment, and we don’t want to fall into those same slippery road again.”
Suleiman’s deputies met with officials from the two Gaza militant groups, Egyptian security officials said, in an effort to convince Hamas to accept a truce that would involve halting rockets attacks on Israel.
Hamas officials said one of the group’s senior leaders, Mahmoud al-Zahar, was heading its delegation in El-Arish.
Khader Habib, an Islamic Jihad leader, confirmed the group sent a team to the Egyptian city for “talks about calm.”
“The conditions are clear, the Zionist enemy must end all forms of aggression against our people in Gaza and the West Bank and lift the siege on Gaza,” he told Reuters.
And watch Reuters lie in its own damned article:
Khader Habib, an Islamic Jihad leader, confirmed the group sent a team to the Egyptian city for “talks about calm.”
“The conditions are clear, the Zionist enemy must end all forms of aggression against our people in Gaza and the West Bank and lift the siege on Gaza,” he told Reuters.
Hamas had stopped short of saying any truce must include the West Bank.
Really? So what’s that quote in the beginning of the article? The one from Hamas, saying the truce must include the West Bank?
Right. Chalk up another “truce” dead on arrival. And watch the round of Israel-blaming begin.
Of course, Hamas will demand proof that the Israelis will no longer carry out military operations in Gaza. The only proof they will accept is being able to launch rocket, bomb, and gun attacks on Israelis without being retaliated against. Continuing their cease-fire with Israel will be dependent on Israel continuing to pass these tests, which will be carried out several times per day for as long as the cease-fire lasts.
Israel should make a generous counter-offer. All attacks on Israel from Gaza must stop. If they do not Zahal will come in and clean out Hamas, and anybody else who gets in the way. As much violence as necessary will be used, but no more than that. Given Hamas’ habit of hiding behind women and children, that won’t make much difference.
Before doing so Israel should cut off all utilities to Gaza. You want water, turn over Hamas killers or arms to Zahal, otherwise you’re out of luck. There is no reason Israel should feed and supply those who want to destroy the country and commit genocide on the Jews. Indeed, there is every reason that Israel should not.
If you make war on a neighboring country that country is entitled, under real international law, to make war back at you, whether you are another state or a non-state actor. It’s time Israel made war against those making war against Israel.