Gaza 2009 – To Win, All Israel Has to Do Is Survive

In response to rockets fired from Hamas, Israel has bombed targets in Gaza, including a strike on the home of leader Nizar Ghayan. The Islamic group, whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel, won a majority in 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, but the unity government with Fatah fell apart in summer 2007. “Terrorism itself, and the ideology of Hamas, has come home to kill the cause of Palestine,” argues Bradley Burston in Haaretz. Conflict between Hamas and Israel has escalated since November 4, with a death toll exceeding 400, most Palestinians. Burston suggests that the two sides understand the other’s goal of mere survival; likewise, both sides must deal with the consternation and divided feelings among respective allies, as well as internal division over tactics that minimize concern for civilians. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire to no avail, and the international community has no easy path for ending an ongoing conflict with opponents who do not view peace as victory. – YaleGlobal