Thomas Friedman has a well-reasoned piece in today’s New York Times that evaluates the current operations in a different light from many of the other articles we’ve seen.  (Specifically differing, as he notes, in his analysis of the 2006 war in Lebanon.)  The result: some interesting ideas for how to proceed.

An excerpt:

Israel de facto recognizes Hamas’s right to rule Gaza and to provide for the well-being and security of the people of Gaza — which was actually Hamas’s original campaign message, not rocketing Israel. And, in return, Hamas has to signal a willingness to assume responsibility for a lasting cease-fire and to abandon efforts to change the strategic equation with Israel by deploying longer and longer range rockets. That’s the only deal. Let’s give it a try.

Like

Unlike

Well, an op-ed in today’s Washington Post puts it quite well. “There are no shortcuts to peace that bypass security.”

That’s what Israel has been saying for the longest time, and it’s the key ingredient of any future agreement.  Since the current operations were caused a continued erosion of Israeli security by Hamas, it only follows that Israel’s confidence in a halt to rockets will be necessary to end the operation.

And a responsible Palestinian security service, like that suggested in the article, is certainly an important ingredient.

Like

Unlike

Humanitarian aid trucks, loaded with 1,119 tons of supplies, were transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing into the Gaza Strip today. The products transferred include flour, medical equipment, and medicine donated by international organizations and several countries, such as: United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), United Nations World Food Programme, the Red Cross, the Egyptian Government, and the Jordanian Government. In addition, 215,000 liters of diesel were transferred to support the activities of UNRWA and 45 tons of natural gas for use in civilian homes.

All photos courtesy IDF Spokesperson.

Like

Unlike

With the IDF now operating on the ground in several sectors of the Gaza Strip, Operation “Cast Lead” is well into its second stage.  Unfortunately, Israeli divisions have begun to suffer their casualties and the loss of one soldier.  The military expected Hamas to fight back; so far, however, the missions have continued according to plan.  In a Haaretz piece, Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff discuss how much time this operation will be given to succeed.  While pressure may come from the international community, the greatest source of pressure can come from the home front, especially with the reports of casualties from Gaza.  The authors note that the current operations are quite dissimilar from those in Lebanon in 2006 and is by no means a failure.  There is no also reason to make it seem like one.

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

Summary:

• 12 Palestinians from Gaza transferred to Israeli hospitals
• 2500 tons of humanitarian aid transferred to Gaza

Details:
Today 12 Palestinians entered Israel for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. Two of those evacuated were children injured during the military activates, the remaining are chronically sick people, and their escorts, who entered Israel for treatment that is not available within the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, despite ongoing rocket fire, Israel continues with the extensive humanitarian effort in coordination with the international organizations, Palestinian Authority and various donors. Ninety three trucks, with approximately 2500 tons of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication were conveyed through Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. The World Food Programme has informed Israel that they will not be resuming shipment of food commodities in to Gaza due to the fact that their warehouses are at full capacity and will last for approximately two weeks.

Since the beginning of operation “Cast Lead” some 6500 tons of aid have been transferred at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further shipments expected to arrive in the coming days.

Like

Unlike

Even in the midst of the IDF operations in Gaza, Israel is determined to maintain the humanitarian effort to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. See video below for footage of one cargo transfer.

Like

Unlike

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit severely criticized Hamas for provoking Israel’s operations in Gaza.  Below, you can find a video clip from his speech, with subtitles.

Transcript: For quite some time, Egypt has been warning. Whoever tried to confuse the understand of [ignore] this warning, must bear the responsibility. The Prime Minister of Israel warned the Hamas and said: “You must stop, otherwise we will take measures in response.” In response to what? To not renewing the calm, to the rocket fire. Just before the arrival of [Israeli Foreign Minister] Livni to Egypt, 60 rockets were fired from Gaza!

Like

Unlike

The State of Israel today released 224 Palestinian prisoners, thereby implementing a government decision made on 07 December. The release of prisoners is meant as a measure of building confidence in the moderate government of President Mahmoud Abbas and in the process of negotiations he has undertaken with Israel. Israel’s actions also send the message that the pursuit of terrorism and violence cannot achieve anything. Today’s prisoner release comes in honor of the Eid al-Adha holiday and in deference to the high priority given to this issue within Palestinian society. The Jerusalem Post has further information on these developments.

Like

Unlike

Following are statistics gathered from various sources that give a current and wide-ranging picture of the economic growth in the West Bank, of a process of amelioration which Israel has undertaken to support efforts to build and rehabilitate the Palestinian economy, of frameworks for dialogue and cooperation between us and the Palestinians, and of projects that have garnered the support of international community with the goal of rehabilitating the West Bank economy. continue reading…

Like

Unlike

Yesterday’s edition of Yedioth Aharonoth carried a powerful opinion piece by Anat Meidan about the work done at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.  Even as the Qassam missiles fall, hospital staff have been working hard to ensure the recovery of all their patients–Israelis and Palestinians alike.  The full translation is presented below.

Ambassadors of Humanity
By Anat Meidan

Over the course of five months, the doctors and nurses of Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon treated Wania Suleiman, a resident of Jabaliya Refugee Camp in Gaza.  After suffering a serious stroke, she lost consciousness during the 24th week of pregnancy.  Attempts at Azati Hospital to stabilize her condition proved unsuccessful and she was transferred to Barzilai.  At the end of September, after about ten weeks during which doctors fought for the lives of Wania and her fetus, she gave birth to her third son.
continue reading…

Like

Unlike