Gaza Conflict

[Derek Ortt]

about time, Luis someone speaks against Hamas

[x-y-no]

It's tragic how the wheels of violence and misery keep turning. It's going to take a lot of political courage on both side to break the cycle, and it doesn't seem to be there.

[Derek Ortt]

It's tragic how the wheels of violence and misery keep turning. It's going to take a lot of political courage on both side to break the cycle, and it doesn't seem to be there.

how much more can Israel do short of unconditional surrender? They have already made concessions and it has not helped one bit

[Ed Mahmoud]

It's tragic how the wheels of violence and misery keep turning. It's going to take a lot of political courage on both side to break the cycle, and it doesn't seem to be there.

Hard for Israel to negotiate with an enemy that wants them dead just for being Jewish.

Cease-fires and treaties are part of the Islamic tradition of the 'hudna',the fake peace during which the Muslims on the losing side of a battle ask for peace, but use the cease-fire as a time to re-arm to battle the non-believers.

At the last Camp David summit of Bill Clinton's career, an agreement had been set to give the Palestinians about 95% of the disputed land, including parts of Jerusalem, and at the last minute Arafat backed out.

Israelis want peace, the Palestinians want victory.

[x-y-no]

It's tragic how the wheels of violence and misery keep turning. It's going to take a lot of political courage on both side to break the cycle, and it doesn't seem to be there.

how much more can Israel do short of unconditional surrender? They have already made concessions and it has not helped one bit

I said "both sides". I don't know that there is a solution given that any viable one does depend on both sides.

[x-y-no]

Hard for Israel to negotiate with an enemy that wants them dead just for being Jewish.

Well, the reason making peace is so hard is that by definition it must be made with the enemy who has done extremely hurtful things to you. It's far easier to continue the cycle of resentment. As I said: tragic.

[cycloneye]

Iran thumbs its nose into this.First the Red Crescent ship and now this from Iran Supreme Leader.

[Aslkahuna]

Iran would be well advised not to give Israel an excuse to go after them.

Steve

[cycloneye]

A new front in this escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas may open as Hezbollah is on Alert.

[Derek Ortt]

and of course Al Jazerra will take the side of the terrorists

why cannot Israel or the USA send a cruise missle right into Al jazerra headquarters

[Aslkahuna]

I suspect that Israel acted now since the incoming Administration and Congress will be much less supportive of Israel than the current one.

Steve

[cycloneye]

The very latest is not promising for those who want a truce:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast ... index.html

[cycloneye]

I have a feeling this will become a long thread as we head into 2009.

You are correct.This will go on for many more days and weeks.Even if the Israel operation stops,then will come all the reactions from the Arab countries comming from sending humanitarian help,to money,people to help Hamas and arms being smuggled into Gaza.And lets not forget Iran and Hezbollah.In other words,this thread may have more replies than the oil thread sooner rather than later.

[brunota2003]

According to the Defense Minister of Israel, this will be a "war to the bitter end."

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israel obliterated symbols of Hamas power on the third day of what the defense minister described Monday as a "war to the bitter end," striking next to the Hamas premier's home, and devastating a security compound and a university building.

[cycloneye]

The White House has reiterated its demands that the Palestinian group Hamas stop firing rockets into Israel and agree to a ceasefire.

Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the White House, said in a statement on Monday that a ceasefire was "the objective to which all parties need to be working", including the US.

More at link below.

U.S calls Hamas to stop firering missiles towards Israel and agree on a ceasefire

[cycloneye]

Both sides throwing at each other in the first hours of Tuesday.

Hamas still has plenty of misiles in its arsenal

[Stephanie]

I suspect that Israel acted now since the incoming Administration and Congress will be much less supportive of Israel than the current one.

Steve

That's the speculation and the only thing that makes sense to me as far as "why now". I do understand Israel's frustration with the continuous rockets being fired by Hamas into Israel, but why not just a full blown blockade - no access to and from Gaza from Israel? They want their own space and country? Good, here you go and don't let the door hit you on the way out! Good luck and God bless!

[brunota2003]

They had the borders sealed. The rocket attacks are coming from inside Gaza. Even the full out one with Egypt, the Hamas just dug tunnels under the border.

[cycloneye]

Hamas goverment buildings destroyed today by the air strikes.

[HurricaneBill]

It's tragic how the wheels of violence and misery keep turning. It's going to take a lot of political courage on both side to break the cycle, and it doesn't seem to be there.

The only thing these attacks in Gaza will do is fuel the flames of anger in the Middle East. It has already increased anti-West sentiment.

I understand most on this board support Israel, but you have to look at both sides.

On one hand, Israel has a right to defend itself from rocket attacks and terrorism. On the other hand, the Arab world is going to see this as an attack on Palestinians. So of course, Arab countries are going to be angry and want to defend the Palestinians.

Overall, Israel and Hamas are acting like rivals gangs. Always trying to avenge injustice after injustice. It's a vicious circle and the civillians always pay the price.

What we have are two sides unwilling to compromise. Two sides who both believe what they are doing is right. Two sides that are religiously sensitive.

Two sides who will never learn. They've been fighting each other for more than 60 years now. It's in their blood.