Palestinian hardline faction Hamas is feeling the pressure leading up to the holiday marking the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Adha. Gaza’s desperate economic and security situation has forced the violent anti-Israeli organisation to offer a hope of ceasefire in the region which recently has seen a spate of deadly Israeli airstrikes targeting Palestinian radical militants. Furthermore, with the continuing deep divisions among Hamas and moderate Fatah, the former has largely been isolated by the international community after violently taking over Gaza from Fatah in june.
The situation in Gaza is far different compared to the political and economic progress that is partially being carried out at the West Bank which is under Fatah control with the help of the international community. It is quite surprising to hear of reports suggesting Hamas to be in a position to enter into negotiations with the Israelis but the daily suffering of the people of Gaza is a clear indication that political and military arrogance is fatal at this critical stage. Maybe there is immense pressure within Hamas to find a way out of this economic mess and the best idea is to appeal for peace. By doing this the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah is atleast giving himself and his party a chance to expect international sympathy.
With the rise in Israeli incursions and attacks into Gaza, one dubbed the Annapolis agreement to be a complete failure even before it started. But this unlikely appeal for peace from an even more unlikely source perhaps makes way for somesort of opportunity for the conflicting parties to carry forward the commitments agreed upon at Annapolis in late november. But for peace to have any say in the volatile region where killings and appeal for peace walk hand in hand, Israel should also reciprocate by stopping unnecessary killings and assassinations inside Gaza. Yes, its a self-defensive action but when you have the offer of peace, letting the opportunity go is an even more criminal act. May be Gaza’s much suffering citizens are forcing Hamas to go the direction of peace and Tel Aviv should take up the opportunity by taking steps that would somewhat win the hearts of the Palestinians.
The EU, US, the Arab world and the UN should now take a lead in influencing the Palestinians to give up violence which would prevent further destruction of the region and isolate the likes of Islamic Jihad and pockets of Hamas fighters which get constant help from Iran and Syria to continue deadly rocket attacks against Israel. Peace is rare let alone an offer but when it has come, both the parties should grab it with smiling faces, although this is easier said than done and the future events would certainly prove where is the Israel-Palestine conflict heading towards
