Why no peace in Israel?

Ps 105:8-11

Joel 3:1-2

Middle East Cauldron R









Christians Together, 05/01/2009

Editor 27/01/2009 11:28
Senator George Mitchell (of N/Ireland negotiations fame) is the new US President's envoy to the Middle East. To say that he is walking into a very difficult situation is stating the obvious, however "impossible" is probably a better word.

To sketch a brief background, Hamas (in Gaza) and the Palestinian Authority (in the West Bank and other parts) both have the same ultimate aim i.e. the complete destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. However they are each employing different tactics to achieve their (same) ends. And the each have different groups of militia and income streams (i.e. paymasters/controllers).

Hamas intends to pursue its policies by force, whereas the PA (headed up by Mahmoud Abbas) are travelling on a political/diplomatic route (aiming to incrementally regain geographic slices of Israel until the Israeli land sector is so small as to be militarily indefensible, and the nation politically, economically and demographically irrelevant and impotent (i.e. easily vanquished).

But there is a big battle between Hamas and the PA for control (of the situation) and allegiance (of the people and foreign nations). This was why there was a very violent - and largely un-reported - 'civil war' in Gaza when Israel pulled out. Hamas won control in Gaza, politically and militarily, but in doing so slaughtered PA militia and supporters. So the enmity between the two groups is immense.

In terms of attracting the loyalty of the 'Palestinian' people, the war which is now being waged is on: "Who will re-build Gaza?" And basically this needs money and political support at an international level.

So, back now to George Mitchell. He is going out the speak to the PA but is not intending to meet with Hamas (as it is viewed as a terrorist organisation). And Hamas won't consider burying the hatchet with the PA until the PA breaks negotiations with Israel. (Of course the PA have little incentive to restore relations with Hamas if the former feels that the international community is on the PA side).

The following brief extracts describe the situation facing George Mitchell -


The US perceives itself as being in a race with Hamas and, by extension, Iran, in the rehabilitation of Gaza. Mitchell's entourage - state department employees responsible for humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts, rather than politicians specializing in negotiations - suggests that delivering assistance to Gaza will be the focus of his current visit.
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