Quote Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost View Post
As ever in the Middle East, it's not that simple.

Hamas has not claimed the rocket strikes (as of writing). However, several tiny factions have. Israel of course, maintains that Hamas - as the governing party in Gaza - is completely responsible for all violent activities. Which is a valid point, save that they have just killed 80% of the police force and destroyed all of the institutions of government by which Hamas might (in the unlikely event of them being willing, but see below) control the inevitable nutters.

Meanwhile, Ehud Barak says he's within touching distance of an Egyptian brokered ceasefire that Hamas has all but signed up to, which he passionately believes will bring peace for at least a year. Unfortunately Tzipi Livni is telling anyone that will listen that this is rubbish, Israel must never negotiate with Hamas as that would lend them legitimacy and that strength and retaliation is the only option. By the way, these are the two government coalition partners vying for the premiership after 10 Feb. Chuckling at the polls that reveal an electorate convinced that both "moderate" parties are utter losers, Binyamin Netanyahu is planning his return to power at the head of Likud propped up by the seriously barking right wing Yisreal Beiteinu amongst other weirdos that would make even the most ardent pro-Israel backer blush in embarrassment.

So against the background of a recent poll that shows 41% of Israelis think the Gaza conflict worthwhile, as opposed to the 41% that think it was a busted flush, the choice is just about endless as to who to back or condemn.

So everyone returns the power to the utter extremists to destroy, at whim, any chance of progress to peace by over-reacting to any little provocation rather than trying for a solution despite rockets, airstrikes and endless circular death.
Come on, B.Q. straight answer here... in the midst of the troubles, the IRA would have ended the existence of any splinter group within hours, let alone days, unless they wanted them around to throw blame on. Do you really think Hamas, as the ruling body of the Palestinian territories, is somehow LESS effective at asserting their will?

If somebody in Gaza is firing rockets on day one and still breathing on day two, it's because Hamas wants them doing both on day 3.