A return to the peace negotiations is the only real hope for guaranteeing Israel’s long-term security, said International Herald Tribune in an editorial on Friday. Excerpts:
We agree that Israel had to defend itself against Hamas’ rocket attacks. But we fear the assault on Gaza has passed the point of diminishing returns. It is time for a cease-fire with Hamas and a return to the peace negotiations that are the only real hope for guaranteeing Israel’s long-term security. We are encouraged that a cease fire finally seems to be gaining traction. Although not much detail is known, reports have focused on an Egyptian proposal for a phased-in truce, followed by a pullout of Israeli forces and the reopening of border crossings to ease the economic blockade of Gaza.
The sudden diplomatic activity came as Israel unleashed its heaviest shelling of Gaza neighborhoods, including a hit on a UN compound where hundreds of Palestinians had taken shelter.
Israeli officials acknowledge the 20-day offensive has not permanently crippled Hamas’ military wing or ended its ability to launch rocket attacks. It is unlikely that Israel can achieve those aims militarily any time soon. The cost in human life and anti-Israeli fury would be enormous. Already more than 1,000 Palestinians have died in the densely populated Gaza Strip, where an always miserable life has become unbearable. Thirteen Israelis have died.
We also fear that the war is further weakening the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and his Fatah faction. President-elect Barack Obama says he will work for a peace deal from Day 1. We hope Israel picks a new leader in elections next month who is truly committed to a two-state solution. With the support of the new American president, he or she must make an early down payment on peace by ending settlement construction, cooperating seriously with Abbas and improving the lives of all Palestinians in the West Bank and in Gaza.
