|
Yediot Aharonot front-page commentary by the author Amos Oz:
"The systematic shelling of civilians in Israel’s communities is a war crime and a crime against humanity. The State of Israel has to protect its citizens. It is clear to everyone that the Israeli government has no desire to go into Gaza, the government would prefer to continue the cease-fire that Hamas violated and ultimately canceled. But the suffering of the civilians in the Gaza perimeter cannot continue.
"The lack of desire to go into Gaza stems not from hesitance, but from the clear knowledge that Hamas is eager to cause Israel to stage a military operation: If dozens or hundreds of Palestinian civilians, women and children are killed in the Israeli operation, this will strengthen extremism in Gaza, and perhaps Abu Mazen’s regime in the West Bank will collapse and be replaced by Hamas extremists.
"The Arab world will rally around the horrific sights that Al-Jazeera will broadcast from Gaza, and world public opinion will hurry to accuse Israel of war crimes. This is the same world public opinion that is unmoved by the systematic shelling of civilian communities in Israel.
"Massive pressure will be applied to Israel to restrain itself. No such pressure will be brought to bear on Hamas, because there is no one to pressure Hamas, and almost no means remain by which to pressure Hamas. Israel is a state, while Hamas is a gang.
"What remains for us to do? The best way for Israel to act is to reach a complete cease-fire in exchange for alleviating the siege on Gaza. If Hamas persists in its rejection of a cease-fire and continues its shelling of Israel’s citizens, we must take care that the military operation does not play into the hands of Hamas. Hamas’s calculation is simple, cynical and malicious: If innocent Israelis are killed – good. If a lot of innocent Palestinians are killed – even better. In the face of this position, Israel must act wisely, and not with heated passions."
|
