Gaza-Egypt chaos throws spotlight on Hamas strategy

[bemildred]

Good summary, if you read it all.

JERICHO (West Bank): The chaotic scenes on the Gaza-Egypt border are forcing Israel, Egypt and the international community to rethink a two-year policy of trying to weaken Gaza’s Hamas rulers by keeping the territory sealed.

The Hamas-engineered border breach, in which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians broke out of blockaded Gaza this week, highlighted the movement’s resilience and ability to stir up trouble. It also reminded the world that 1.5 million Gazans, many already bitterly poor, cannot remain locked up indefinitely.

Any easing of the Gaza closure could well stabilise Hamas’ militant government in the coastal strip, something the West would be loath to see. It’s also unlikely all those with conflicting interests in Gaza, including Israel, Hamas and pro-Western Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, could agree on a solution.

Yet, a more relaxed Gaza border regime could entice Hamas to halt rocket fire, and this in turn could buy Abbas and Israel the necessary calm to make progress in US-backed peace deal.

http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/27/int20.htm

[aquart]

1. "Entice Hamas to halt rocket fire."

No words.