This week, in coordinated attacks, as many as 20 terrorists infiltrated from Gaza into Egypt and then into southern Israel, killing eight Israelis. Israeli authorities believe the terrorists exited Gaza via underground tunnels and slipped into Israel through a "tattered wire fence" along the Israel-Egypt border. Predictably, only now, after a tragedy, does Israel plan to complete construction of the remaining three-quarters of the 200km fence.
Buses targeted by the terrorists had some soldiers as passengers, some of whom returned fire while others administered first aid to victims. But passengers in cars also targeted were sitting ducks. In one case, terrorists reportedly shot two sisters and their husbands at point-blank range and then confirmed the deaths. Had the travelers been armed, perhaps they could have repelled the attack. Perhaps they should have been carrying the same weapons often seen being carried by "radical Israeli settlers" in their self-defense.
Recently, militants were arrested and weapons seized in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, in the latest indication that militants there are re-emerging after the fall of Egyptian President Mubarak. A group calling itself "Al Qaeda in the Sinai Peninsula" is said to have formed. Given such news and the sophistication of this week's attacks, we're probably seeing the beginnings of an escalation of Arab terrorism emanating from a destabilized Egypt and terror-controlled Gaza. One question that remains to be seen is whether the command-and-control structure of this renewed effort against Israel rests more in Gaza or in Egypt. Gaza's Hamas leadership will insist it has no role and Israel is picking a fight.
Showing posts with label Gaza Strip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gaza Strip. Show all posts
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
J Street Priorities Need Adjusting
J Street, the relatively new DC-based organization which says it's pro-Israel but takes positions contrary to Israel's best interests because it misunderstands the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict, is advertising an event in DC in November.
J Street will host two speakers from UNRWA in Gaza, the United Nations agency charged with caring for Palestinians and their descendants dislocated as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
The speakers will address the "the impact of unremitting conflict on the people of Gaza."
What about the impact on the people of Israel? If the context is the conflict, then J Street's priority, as a "pro-Israel" organization, should be with Israel.
Only if the context is Hamas's failed leadership in Gaza, which has served only to perpetuate the conflict with Israel and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, then the focus should be on the "impact of the people of Gaza." This would expose Hamas as the root of the problem and increase pressure on the group.
The fact that J Street is more concerned about the impact of Gaza-Israel cross-border hostilities on Palestinians than Israelis is further evidence that this purportedly pro-Israel organization's priorities are misaligned with Israel's best interests. J Street should work to help defeat Hamas in Gaza and free Palestinians there from Hamas repression and terrorism. Seeking to blame Israel for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza lets Hamas off the hook and only further delays the peace that J Street and the rest of us so much desire. This is why the policies of J Street hurt, not help, Israel and why J Street is not "pro-Israel" at all.
J Street will host two speakers from UNRWA in Gaza, the United Nations agency charged with caring for Palestinians and their descendants dislocated as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
The speakers will address the "the impact of unremitting conflict on the people of Gaza."
What about the impact on the people of Israel? If the context is the conflict, then J Street's priority, as a "pro-Israel" organization, should be with Israel.
Only if the context is Hamas's failed leadership in Gaza, which has served only to perpetuate the conflict with Israel and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, then the focus should be on the "impact of the people of Gaza." This would expose Hamas as the root of the problem and increase pressure on the group.
The fact that J Street is more concerned about the impact of Gaza-Israel cross-border hostilities on Palestinians than Israelis is further evidence that this purportedly pro-Israel organization's priorities are misaligned with Israel's best interests. J Street should work to help defeat Hamas in Gaza and free Palestinians there from Hamas repression and terrorism. Seeking to blame Israel for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza lets Hamas off the hook and only further delays the peace that J Street and the rest of us so much desire. This is why the policies of J Street hurt, not help, Israel and why J Street is not "pro-Israel" at all.
Friday, September 25, 2009
An Historic Speech Not to be Missed
Amid recent assertions by Iran's President that the Holocaust never occurred, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday presented the UN archival material maintained by the German government proving Nazi plans to exterminate Jews. Netanyahu also unequivocally rebuked a UN panel's report accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza and urged the UN reject it. His audience listened intently to his every word, at one point interrupting with applause.
If you haven't seen the speech -- surely to be remembered as one of the best ever delivered by a world leader at the UN or anywhere -- make it a priority to do so this weekend, and tell your family and friends. Here is a link to part 1.
If you haven't seen the speech -- surely to be remembered as one of the best ever delivered by a world leader at the UN or anywhere -- make it a priority to do so this weekend, and tell your family and friends. Here is a link to part 1.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Gaza War Cost Hamas Support
While the popular press continues to insist that Israel's recent military campaign against Hamas in Gaza bolstered the group's popular support, a new Palestinian poll reveals the exact opposite.
According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion finds that some 27 percent of Gazan Palestinians support Hamas after the war, compared to 51 percent in November.
Meanwhile, support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party in Gaza climbed to 43 percent from 31 percent in November. In the West Bank, Fatah holds a 16 percentage point lead over Hamas in popularity, 39 percent to 23 percent.
It is also noteworthy, and unfortunate, that some Gazans simply are too scared for their lives to share their opinions publicly. Said one man, "If I talk about this, I'm afraid that Hamas will come and kill me."
What does all this mean? For one thing, that exacting a military price from Hamas for its continued attacks on Israel can, albeit slowly, erode its popular support. With time, Palestinians will tire of the conflict and rise up against those who wish to perpetuate it.
According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion finds that some 27 percent of Gazan Palestinians support Hamas after the war, compared to 51 percent in November.
Meanwhile, support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party in Gaza climbed to 43 percent from 31 percent in November. In the West Bank, Fatah holds a 16 percentage point lead over Hamas in popularity, 39 percent to 23 percent.
It is also noteworthy, and unfortunate, that some Gazans simply are too scared for their lives to share their opinions publicly. Said one man, "If I talk about this, I'm afraid that Hamas will come and kill me."
What does all this mean? For one thing, that exacting a military price from Hamas for its continued attacks on Israel can, albeit slowly, erode its popular support. With time, Palestinians will tire of the conflict and rise up against those who wish to perpetuate it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hamas Caught Sneaking Cash Into Gaza
It's happened before and should come has no surprise again now.
In November 2006, Reuters reported that two Hamas members were caught trying to smuggle $4 million in cash from Egypt into Gaza.
According to a news report by the Associated Press, Hamas negotiators who had been in Cairo to work out a cease-fire deal with Israel tried to return to Gaza today with suitcases stuffed with between $7-9 million dollars.
Hamas needs the money -- badly. They reportedly have promised to compensate Palestinians in Gaza who lost homes or relatives in the recent fighting. Paying these people off is critical to Hamas's ability to maintain popular support. If it weren't for such bribes, then maybe Palestinians in Gaza would reject terrorists for their leaders.
But not even $9 million will be enough for Hamas to make good on its promises. To do so, Hamas will need $20,604,430. Future attempts to smuggle cash are guaranteed to occur.
According to news reports, Hamas has promised the following payments, in Euros:
Destroyed House: 4,000 @1,885 houses
Badly Damaged House: 2,000 @ 2,200 houses
Dead Relative: 1,000 @ 1,000 persons
Anyone Injured: 500 @ 5,500 persons
Total Cost = $20, 604,430.
In November 2006, Reuters reported that two Hamas members were caught trying to smuggle $4 million in cash from Egypt into Gaza.
According to a news report by the Associated Press, Hamas negotiators who had been in Cairo to work out a cease-fire deal with Israel tried to return to Gaza today with suitcases stuffed with between $7-9 million dollars.
Hamas needs the money -- badly. They reportedly have promised to compensate Palestinians in Gaza who lost homes or relatives in the recent fighting. Paying these people off is critical to Hamas's ability to maintain popular support. If it weren't for such bribes, then maybe Palestinians in Gaza would reject terrorists for their leaders.
But not even $9 million will be enough for Hamas to make good on its promises. To do so, Hamas will need $20,604,430. Future attempts to smuggle cash are guaranteed to occur.
According to news reports, Hamas has promised the following payments, in Euros:
Destroyed House: 4,000 @1,885 houses
Badly Damaged House: 2,000 @ 2,200 houses
Dead Relative: 1,000 @ 1,000 persons
Anyone Injured: 500 @ 5,500 persons
Total Cost = $20, 604,430.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
It's Not the Settlements
In an editorial today, the Washington Post says that newly-appointed Middle East Envoy George Mitchell ought to make stopping Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank his priority.
Even setting aside for now the argument that Israel won the West Bank in a defensive war and "to the victor, go the spoils," we're a far ways away from even considering what should be the final disposition of the West Bank.
The existence of Israeli communities in the West Bank is not what is preventing peace. Rather, the problem rests, as it always has, with Palestinian intransigence and their unwavering commitment to Israel's eventual destruction.
Gaza offers all the proof necessary of this fact. In Gaza, Israel vacated every last settlement and settler, giving the Palestinians a chance to build their state and demonstrate their commitment to living in peace. They blew that chance. Instead, they elected Hamas, despite its history of blowing up busses and other civilian targets in Israel. Hamas thanked Palestinians by turning Gaza into a launching pad for a rocket war on Israel.
Considering that Palestinians squandered the opportunity in Gaza, the last thing that ought to be considered now is allowing them to squander another opportunity in the West Bank.
Until the Palestinians get their act together, throw out their terrorist leaders, and reject violence once and for all, may Israeli settlements and settlers be "fruitful and multiply." Maybe then, once Palestinians see this happening, they will reconsider and begin making the right choices. Until then, let them suffer and learn from their wrong ones.
Even setting aside for now the argument that Israel won the West Bank in a defensive war and "to the victor, go the spoils," we're a far ways away from even considering what should be the final disposition of the West Bank.
The existence of Israeli communities in the West Bank is not what is preventing peace. Rather, the problem rests, as it always has, with Palestinian intransigence and their unwavering commitment to Israel's eventual destruction.
Gaza offers all the proof necessary of this fact. In Gaza, Israel vacated every last settlement and settler, giving the Palestinians a chance to build their state and demonstrate their commitment to living in peace. They blew that chance. Instead, they elected Hamas, despite its history of blowing up busses and other civilian targets in Israel. Hamas thanked Palestinians by turning Gaza into a launching pad for a rocket war on Israel.
Considering that Palestinians squandered the opportunity in Gaza, the last thing that ought to be considered now is allowing them to squander another opportunity in the West Bank.
Until the Palestinians get their act together, throw out their terrorist leaders, and reject violence once and for all, may Israeli settlements and settlers be "fruitful and multiply." Maybe then, once Palestinians see this happening, they will reconsider and begin making the right choices. Until then, let them suffer and learn from their wrong ones.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Secretly, Arab Leaders Are Thrilled By Israel's Actions
Egypt's foreign minister blasted the United Nations for failing to stop Israel's "aggression," while a Jordanian government spokesman predicted Israel's "invasion" would have "dangerous repercussions and negative effects" on security and stability in the region.
Are these countries, who've signed peace treaties with Israel, really that outraged by Israel's actions? While their people may be, as evidenced by street protests, their leaders, secretly, are thrilled.
To placate the masses and, in particular, members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other radicals living in Egypt and Jordan, leaders of these countries spare no effort to condemn Israel's actions. But, behind their palaces' walls, they couldn't be more relieved that Israel is doing their dirty work for them -- rolling back the influence and military capabilities of one of the region's deadliest terrorist groups, Hamas, responsible for dozens of suicide attacks that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians since October 2000.
Hamas and, with it, Iran are growing influences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and by extension, in Lebanon and Syria, as well. In pursuing Israel's destruction and the eventual establishment of Islamic regimes, Hamas threatens the stability and security of not only Israel and Palestinians, but Egypt and Jordan, who couldn't be happier to see Hamas under attack. If only leaders of these countries were courageous enough to admit so publicly.
Are these countries, who've signed peace treaties with Israel, really that outraged by Israel's actions? While their people may be, as evidenced by street protests, their leaders, secretly, are thrilled.
To placate the masses and, in particular, members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other radicals living in Egypt and Jordan, leaders of these countries spare no effort to condemn Israel's actions. But, behind their palaces' walls, they couldn't be more relieved that Israel is doing their dirty work for them -- rolling back the influence and military capabilities of one of the region's deadliest terrorist groups, Hamas, responsible for dozens of suicide attacks that killed hundreds of Israeli civilians since October 2000.
Hamas and, with it, Iran are growing influences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and by extension, in Lebanon and Syria, as well. In pursuing Israel's destruction and the eventual establishment of Islamic regimes, Hamas threatens the stability and security of not only Israel and Palestinians, but Egypt and Jordan, who couldn't be happier to see Hamas under attack. If only leaders of these countries were courageous enough to admit so publicly.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
"Thanks for Calling"
Palestinians in Gaza should be telling Israel, "Thanks for calling."
According to Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel has made some 90,000 telephone calls to Palestinians in Gaza advising them to vacate whatever structure they're in before Israel bombs it. Hamas has been locating its military operations in or near civilian buildings, hoping to protect them from attack. And, Israel, has been gracious enough to give Palestinians, who know that Hamas members operate among them, a chance to get out and save their lives.
The cost to Israel is that it runs missions against targets given advance warning and risks not hitting whatever persons or weapons it intends to destroy.
Israel also has been dropping leaflets over Gaza telling people stay away from Hamas members and facilities.
What other nation in the world would make such an effort to protect civilian populations? None. What international media outlet would bother to report this extremeand unprecedented act of goodwill? Again, probably none.
According to Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel has made some 90,000 telephone calls to Palestinians in Gaza advising them to vacate whatever structure they're in before Israel bombs it. Hamas has been locating its military operations in or near civilian buildings, hoping to protect them from attack. And, Israel, has been gracious enough to give Palestinians, who know that Hamas members operate among them, a chance to get out and save their lives.
The cost to Israel is that it runs missions against targets given advance warning and risks not hitting whatever persons or weapons it intends to destroy.
Israel also has been dropping leaflets over Gaza telling people stay away from Hamas members and facilities.
What other nation in the world would make such an effort to protect civilian populations? None. What international media outlet would bother to report this extremeand unprecedented act of goodwill? Again, probably none.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Bittersweet Battle in Gaza
Israel's attack on Hamas in Gaza, which started today, is a bittersweet moment.
It's relieving to see Hamas, which has been firing rockets into southern Israel for months and still holds IDF soldier Gilat Shalit for over two years, finally feeling some pain. Hopefully, Israel will be relentless in its attacks and force upon Hamas a new reality in which it understands a price will be paid for any future instigation.
However, today's violence is, undeniably, also terribly saddening. Palestinians in Gaza could have been better off had it not been for Hamas. Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in August 2005 offered an opportunity for the Palestinians there to exercise self-rule and establish a nascent state. Hamas failed them, but Palestinians also failed themselves for electing Hamas to power. As a Ha'aretz columnist wrote, "Nothing has been more instrumental in harming the cause of Palestinian independence than Hamas."
It's relieving to see Hamas, which has been firing rockets into southern Israel for months and still holds IDF soldier Gilat Shalit for over two years, finally feeling some pain. Hopefully, Israel will be relentless in its attacks and force upon Hamas a new reality in which it understands a price will be paid for any future instigation.
However, today's violence is, undeniably, also terribly saddening. Palestinians in Gaza could have been better off had it not been for Hamas. Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in August 2005 offered an opportunity for the Palestinians there to exercise self-rule and establish a nascent state. Hamas failed them, but Palestinians also failed themselves for electing Hamas to power. As a Ha'aretz columnist wrote, "Nothing has been more instrumental in harming the cause of Palestinian independence than Hamas."
Instead of building a state, Hamas began building an army, with dozens of new security installations, thousands of new recruits, and tens of thousands of rockets and anti-aircraft missiles smuggled via Egypt.
Hamas and Palestinian Authority leaders need to be pressured to help Palestinians along a different path toward reconciliation with Israel. Unfortunately, they won't hear that from Israel's closest Arab allies. Egypt reportedly condemned Israel's attacks today, which Jordan's King Abdullah said "targeted innocent women and children." These Arab "allies" should know better. They should put the blame squarely on Hamas, not Israel.
Instead, the relief from Hamas rule which Palestinians deserve will be delayed and will come only once Palestinians, collectively, have tired of war and rise up against their corrupt rulers demanding change. If that time comes only in a hundred or more years, so be it. For only then will a lasting peace be within reach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
