It was only a matter of time before the Palestinian appeasement process failed (see source article). After last month's pullout from Gaza and West Bank settlements, it was hoped that peace would settle in over Palestine. Right - and I've got a levee in Louisiana I'd like to sell you.
It all started Friday afternoon after an explosion during a Hamas rally killed at least 15 people. Israel denies any involvement, and the Palestinian Authority (whatever that means) blames Islamic militants for mishandling explosives during the rally. Hamas claims Israeli warplanes fired missiles into the crowd.
So Hamas retaliated against their own stupidity by firing 35 rockets into Israeli towns. Israel in turn has begun retaliation by launching airstrikes at suspected Hamas targets in Gaza. Israeli troops are now massing at the border awaiting orders for a ground incursion should it come to that. The Israeli government is putting a lot of pressure on PA President Abbas to get the militants under control - or else. A unanimous decision by the Israeli cabinet would get the IDF moving.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is in danger of losing his job as early as Monday. His most likely successor would be Benjamin Netanyahu, one who has said all along that the recent Israeli pullout would be a threat to Israel's national security.
Naturally, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is alarmed that the peace process seems to be falling apart. Like that was a surprise?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment