The Gaza Strike

Spearhead Analysis—31.12

  Israel’s massive multiple air strikes are in line with its policy of seeking a military solution to what is essentially a political conflict. Such efforts have never succeeded in resolving the issue—Ireland is a case in point—but they have always escalated violence and inflicted horrendous suffering on innocent civilians caught in the conflict. By causing casualties on a massive scale Israel has raised the bar on the scale and magnitude of the conflict scenario.

  It is inevitable that there will be retaliation and just as inevitably counter retaliation in what promises to become an unending cycle of violence. The Hamas government was never really accepted—neither by the US nor by the Israelis. This accounts for the muted US response.

  Even though the Israeli attack was deliberately timed to be in the twilight zone between the Bush to Obama transition there is very little doubt that together with Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan the Israel-Palestine conflict will top the agenda for Obama. The new US President is being presented with a conflict zone that now comprises the Greater Middle East and Greater South and West Asia—all the way to Central Asia.

  The longer the delay in bringing about and implementing a cease fire the more the deaths and greater the suffering. Diplomacy must take over as soon as possible if the two state solution idea is to remain alive. This should be followed by a political processs

  Already the fingers are pointing at US neglect of the Arab-Israeli problem as the reason for the Hamas rocket attacks that led to the disproportionate response by Israel. Arab states have also called for an immediate cease fire as the first step towards a de-escalation process. More strikes can create serious difficulties and and increase the chances of a complete reversal of the gains made. Egypt and Jordan—the two Arab countries that have relations with Israel will be under considerable pressure. Reportedly a cleric in Iran is signing up volunteers for fighting Israel.

  A cease fire must come about immediately to save hundreds and perhaps thousands from death.

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