The U.S. should push for the disarming of Hamas in Gaza-Israel cease-fire

[Fozzledick]

THE DISTINGUISHING feature of the latest war between Israel and Hamas is “offensive tunnels,” as the Israeli army calls them. As of early Wednesday, 28 had been uncovered in Gaza, and nearly half extended into Israel, according to Israeli officials. The tunnels are the reason that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu decided last weekend to launch a ground invasion of Gaza, and they explain why that operation has strong support from Israelis in spite of the relatively heavy casualties it has inflicted. Most significantly, the tunnels show why it has been difficult to reach a cease-fire and why any accord must aim at forging a new political and security order in Gaza.

Hamas’s offensive tunnels should not be confused with the burrows it has dug under Gaza’s border with Egypt to smuggle money, consumer goods and military equipment. The newly discovered structures have only one conceivable purpose: to launch attacks inside Israel. Three times in recent days, Hamas fighters emerged from the tunnels in the vicinity of Israeli civilian communities, which they clearly aimed to attack. The concrete-lined structures are stocked with materials, such as handcuffs and tranquilizers, that could be used on hostages. Other tunnels in northern Gaza are designed for the storage and firing of missiles at Israeli cities.

The resources devoted by Hamas to this project are staggering, particularly in view of Gaza’s extreme poverty. By one Israeli account, the typical tunnel cost $1 million to build over the course of several years, using tons of concrete desperately needed for civilian housing. By design, many of the tunnels have entrances in the heavily populated Shijaiyah district, where the Israeli offensive has concentrated. One was found underneath al-Wafa hospital, where Hamas also located a command post and stored weapons, according to Israeli officials.

The depravity of Hamas’s strategy seems lost on much of the outside world, which — following the terrorists’ script — blames Israel for the civilian casualties it inflicts while attempting to destroy the tunnels. While children die in strikes against the military infrastructure that Hamas’s leaders deliberately placed in and among homes, those leaders remain safe in their own tunnels. There they continue to reject cease-fire proposals, instead outlining a long list of unacceptable demands.

One of those demands is for a full reopening of Gaza’s land and sea borders. While this would allow relief and economic development for the territory’s population, it would also allow Hamas to import more missiles and concrete for new tunnels. While Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the Egyptian government and other would-be brokers are right to seek a cease-fire, they should reject Hamas’s agenda. Instead, any political accord should come after a cease-fire and be negotiated with the Palestinian leadership of Mahmoud Abbas. It should link opening of the borders and other economic concessions to the return to Gaza of the security forces of the Palestinian Authority, the disarmament of Hamas and elections for a new government.

In setting such conditions, international mediators will likely have the quiet support of most of Gaza’s population. Polls show that they are fed up with Hamas’s rule and with its use of women and children as cannon fodder in unwinnable wars with Israel. The next government of Gaza should be one that invests in schools, health clinics and houses, not in tunnels.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-us-should-push-for-the-disarming-of-hamas-in-gaza-israel-cease-fire/2014/07/23/7c2d1d9e-1284-11e4-8936-26932bcfd6ed_story.html?tid=recommended_strip_1

[King_David]

1. Definitely

[Larkspur]

2. How about disarming Israel, especially of its nuclear weapons

or better, point out that it is Israel who does not want peace because that means they would have to give up land that they are allowing settlers to steal from Palestinians.

[King_David]

3. That would be suicide

And with all the anti Jew hatred recently erupting all over the world , wouldn't be a good idea.

Jews no longer go like lambs...

Not since 1948.

[earthside]

4. The American way would be ...

... to arm the Palestinians.

The indigenous non-Jewish inhabitants of Israel, especially the PA ought to be given arms equal to those provided through U.S. dollars to Israel.

Besides, then the U.S. arms manufacturers can make a profit arming both sides, which is their preferred manner of doing business.

Of course, if the Palestinians had armed drones and fighter jets and helicopter gunships, etc., we would sure as hell see Israel being perhaps a bit more respectful towards their subjects. An additional benefit would be that the Palestinians wouldn't have to just stand by and let Israel bulldoze their homes, orchards, etc. -- they could fight back. Maybe if they had sufficient weapons, the Palestinians could take back the territory they were granted in 1948.

Disarmament is not the answer, particularly for the Palestinians -- then they would become even more oppressed than they are now. A demilitarization of Israel might be a better avenue.

[Fozzledick]

5. So you want to escalate the violence to total war for fun and profit?

Welcome to DU I/P - you'll fit right in.

[msongs]

6. well the Israelites are doing so why not let everyone join the fun? nt

[Aerows]

7. I don't know the solution

but more killing - on either side - certainly isn't the answer.

[King_David]

8. Israelites ?

[earthside]

9. Kind of an appropriate term.

Since Israel in the last 60 years seems to be behaving more like the conquers of what we now call Palestine when they allegedly came out of Egypt 3000 years ago.

[King_David]

11. Clarity for all of us about those new group members posting

In our group and their opinions.

[Fozzledick]

10. Another vote for more violence and war.

At least you're open about it, so many here are talking out of both sides of their mouth while advocating the same thing.