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Analysis

International Business Times: Now We Must Build on Hamas’ Failure, By Toby Greene

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Much of the commentary on Gaza is interpreting a renewed ceasefire as a draw, in which nothing has really changed. Some even claim that emerging intact after 50 days of fighting is a victory of sorts for Hamas. This is an impression that Hamas itself is promoting with triumphant rallies.

This interpretation is a mistake, based on a misunderstanding of each side’s aims. It was Hamas that sought to change the status quo in this conflict, whilst Israel sought to restore it. Hamas hoped to extricate itself from a political and economic crisis and make Israel and Egypt meet its demands. But after 50 days of saying ‘no’ to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal which did not meet its goals, Hamas finally had to accept something close to it.

All Hamas’s substantial demands – the payments of salaries to its employees, the full opening of borders with Egypt and Israel, the opening of a sea port and airport, and the release of prisoners – have been deferred to future negotiations to be brokered by Egypt. Hamas will participate only as part of a broader Palestinian delegation, and if Hamas does not like the way talks are going, will it threaten to start firing again? It might, but it will do so from a much weaker military position than before. It has paid a heavy price for a slim reward.

 

Read the article in full at International Business Times.