Jan 17 2009
Is This Cease-Fire For Real?
Just a few hours ago, a cease-fire was finally implemented by the Israelis. That is a step in the right direction, do not get me wrong, but I am questioning how successful it will be. Israeli officials sounded somewhat hopeful. “Hamas was hit hard, in its military arms and in its government institutions. Its leaders are in hiding and many of its men have been killed,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said. Rhetoric designed to make people think you are actually winning, sound familiar? I may sound a bit pessimistic, but that is because around eight rockets hit Israel from militants still fighting. I guess they appreciate the cease-fire.
Hamas will not stop that easily. The Israeli army may have stopped firing for the moment, but they are remaining where they are. If Hamas ever stop firing, Olmert said that the military will consider pulling out “at a time that befits us.” That is vague, if I must state the obvious. It will never happen. Hamas will continue, Israel will say, “Hey, we tried!” to the world, and it will all continue. I was expecting better from this cease-fire when it first started gaining momentum. Some Palestinians are enjoying the calm of the moment, but how much longer will it last?
