Hamas’s leader in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh, in a speech in Tehran, pledged to never stop resistance or acknowledge Israel. Of course, eight weeks ago, formerly Damascus based Khaled Mashal said Hamas would be giving up weapons-based resistance and would agree to a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.
Related reading:Tags: Gaza, Hamas, Iran, Ismail Haniyeh, Israel, Khaled Mashal, Mahmoud Abbas, Middle East Conflict, Palestinian Authority, Peace Process, PLO, Yasser Arafat Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2012/02/13/the-two-sides-of-hamas-haniyeh-says-hell-never-recognise-israel-mashal-says-they-will/
Under the title “The Right of Return Convoy”: Viva Palestina Arabia is organising an aid convoy to again break the siege on Gaza. [...] This convoy, which comes after the great siege-breaking efforts of Viva Palestina in Britain and of attempts to break the siege by sea, is therefore scheduled to reach Gaza on 15 May, Nakba Day, on which Palestinians the world over commemorate the catastrophe that forced so [...]
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2012/02/05/if-you-cant-break-the-gaza-blockade-with-a-flotilla-try-a-road-convoy/
The New York Times reports that on his visit to Gaza, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s car was pelted with shoes by Gazans angry at his and the UN’s pro-Israel-ness.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2012/02/05/throwing-shoes-at-the-un-secretary-general-isnt-the-best-way-to-endear-yourself-to-him/
There is a construction boom in Gaza, with roughly 90% of materials to re-build structures destroyed during Cast Lead coming in through the tunnels, which is filtering through to reduce unemployment. But, with Israel still controlling (and prohibiting) virtually all exports, it’s still a dire situation for almost all Palestinians.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2012/01/23/construction-booms-in-gaza-three-years-after-cast-lead/
Ha’aretz reports that Hamas has moderated, has ordered its forces in Gaza not to fire rockets, and is ready to accept a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. Seems that the fruits of the reconciliation talks with Fatah have gone to plan, then, despite what the predictions of the naysayers. Surely soon we say, “these guys are serious,” and we start negotiating with them.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/12/30/hamas-self-imposes-a-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-west-bank/
Hamas looks like it wants to join the Palestine Liberation Organization, something the current Israeli government isn’t crazy about, but will inevitably lead to a more productive peace process.
Related reading:Tags: Bibi Netanyahu, Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Khaled Mashal, Mahmoud Abbas, Mark Regev, Palestinians, Peace Process, PLO, Salam Fayyad, West Bank Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/12/24/a-step-forward-as-hamas-moves-to-join-plo/
A poll of 1,200 Palestinians has results that bode well for peace — a population that trusts in the peace process, prefers its moderate leadership and a majority of whom reject terrorism against Israel.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/11/28/poll-majority-of-palestinians-optimistic-about-peace-oppose-terror-against-israel/
According to the ABC, some weapons from the Libyan rebels have found their way into Gaza. So, basically, good news all round.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/11/15/libyan-rebels-weapons-have-found-their-way-to-gaza/
In Tablet Magazine, on why Gilad Shalit is a different kind of captured or missing Israeli soldier: “Shalit was very young and all alone, an ordinary boy who was nabbed by the enemy less than a year after putting on uniform. He was, in other words, an everyman.”
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/10/13/why-is-gilad-shalit-different-hes-an-everyman/
Bibi has announced that Gilad Shalit will be “will be returning to Israel in the coming days,” in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. I think that more than 1,000 prisoners is quite a price to pay. The way I look at it, this is a win for Hamas — it’s what they always wanted, scores of prisoners released for just one.
Related reading: Permalink: http://liamgetreu.com/2011/10/12/gilad-shalit-to-be-released-in-the-coming-days/
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