World

Israel begins pulling troops from Gaza; soldiers say 'could ha...

by tikun | January 18, 2009 at 10:59 am

139 views | 9 Recommendations | 5 comments

Is it just a matter of time to return before Israeli troops return once again? Is the International community truly going to put the necessary pressure on to ensure quiet? Is Egypt just going to blow hot air about stopping the smuggling of arms and let the Iranian-Hamas axis continue? Stay tuned!

Cleared for publication: The IDF began pulling some of its troops out of the Gaza Strip Sunday, following Israel's decision on a unilateral ceasefire. The troops redeployed to areas near the security fence.

Among many soldiers in the field, many of whom have been pulled out in the past several hours, Israel's declared truce appears to constitute a missed opportunity to crush Hamas' will to fire at Israeli civilians. Some reservists reported, though, that Hamas appeared weak.

"We could have done a lot more. There's a feeling the operation ended too early," one soldier told Ynet. He and his colleagues are staying alert in an attempt to block ceasefire violations – rocket fire – by Hamas or other Palestinian organizations.

These soldiers maintain that an operation such as Cast Lead should leave Hamas "devoid of desire" to continue aiming rockets at Israel. "We can continue without a problem, in urban Palestinian areas, in Gaza City or anywhere else. All they need to do is tell us to," soldiers said.

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158

at 11:58 on January 18th, 2009

At least the killing has stopped. If Hamas will stop its attacks maybe this will hold for a few months.

tikun

at 13:01 on January 18th, 2009

It is truly unfortunate that the so-called leaders of the "enlightened" Europe are more interested in stopping the war thinking that this will stop terror. Terrorism needs to be destroyed on the battlefield when necessary and in the economic and social realms. They have effectively failed in all three. god have mercy on their souls.

158

at 14:21 on January 18th, 2009

That is true. Israel may hace stopped too soon but public pressure is just too great now and Hamas has learned what can happen.

If in a year or two Hamas rearms starts the same again then Israel should destroy them, whatever it takes.

Yellow Guitar

at 16:23 on January 18th, 2009

This would seem to demonstrate good will on the part of Israel - of course there is PR to be considered, such is the world we have made - but more importantly it also shows that the Israelis were using restraint in their hammering of Hamas. They could have completely destroyed Gaza by targeting all infrastructure. The fact that there is still a Gaza strip attests to the focus of their mission. Regarding the 'enlightened' perception of the war on terror held by many Europeans and Americans who have never been to Israel - there is as much chance of convincing them that Hamas needs to be destroyed by force as there is of convincing me that they are not terrorists, but rather 'freedom fighters' representing the best interests of the people of Palestine. I'm not going to hold my breath.

I hope this latest war is over, and I hope it was enough to bring some kind of peace and a step towards coexistence. I look forward to Israel's next move, which will hopefully involve rebuilding Gaza and helping the people rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Then, all nations - enlightened or not - will have an opportunity to put their money where their mouths are.

Thanks for posting. Cheers and best regards from Canada.