Quote:
Originally Posted by Osem
I don't think many people really believe that both sides don't have to share some blame for what's going on. Israel, however, holds almost all the cards around this particular poker table and, as such, needs to understand and exercise the concept of restraint at this point.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/7829912.stm
'Mistake' or not, shelling UN compounds isn't doing much to enhance their case with the public. I wonder how many Israelis would be as understanding of such errors if the boot were on the other foot, they were being bombed into oblivion and Hamas kept making mistakes like that.
I can see our friends awaiting entry to the Whitehouse praying that this'll get sorted before Obama takes office and can therefore still claim some sort of mitgation for the lack of action by the US. |
The Israelis said they would stop their action when Hamas stopped firing the rockets but as Hamas are continuing, in spite of all their casualties, to fire the rockets it seems likely that the campaign will continue.
The shelling of UN compounds is unfortunate, which is presumably why aid agencies are staying out of the region. However, in a war zone it is possible for agency staff to be killed by either side so it is understandable that they do not want to put their lives at risk.
Israel could withdraw tomorrow but Hamas would still keep firing rockets as there has been no statement from them saying the rocket bombardment would stop, so Hamas do not seem to believe in exercising restraint either.
Israel are pounding the Palestinians as an example to others in the region to let them know what they can expect if they try to take offensive action.
I expect and agree that by the time Obama gets into power this skirmish will probably be over. However, the unwillingness of Hamas to stop firing rockets will only serve to convince him that Israel needs US help more than ever.