Endgame for Israel and Hamas - but what comes next?

To strengthen Hamas and weaken Abbas and the PA in order to sabotage and weaken the PA ability to get Palestine recognized in the UN general assembly. This war with Hamas was a ploy. Brilliant move on Israel.

I listened to a three part CNN interview with Hamas's political advisor yesterday. Once again we can see that Israel has no partner to discuss peace with. It would be great to move into peace talks, but with who?

It is time for Bibi to recognize the benefits for Israel in strengthening Mr.Abas.It is time for him to take seriousness the declaration he made about a two. States Solution.The Israeli people will welcome such moves at this time,otherwise Israel will find itself deal Hamas leading in the next Palestinian elections in the West Bank.

Unfortunately, as the author writes, the PA is becoming irrelevant and Hamas is gaining support as a result of the political changes in the region and the recent violence. Old "understandings" between the PA and Hamas on how to handle negotiations with Israel (which Israel was never amenable to) will likely have to be reworked, as Hamas finds itself in a position of strength which respect to Fatah and the PA. Officially, only the PLO can conclude an agreement with Israel on behalf of all Palestinians and right now, Hamas is not a member of the PLO. Abbas and Fatah have kept them out. But this will likely change in the future. If Israel chooses to negotiate with a reformed PLO, Hamas will have a say.

The author advises Israel to rethink it's strategy of threatening a ground invasion of Gaza in the future. Rightly so, since the debacle of Cast Lead and the perceived numerous and severe disadvantages of launching an invasion as part of Pillar of Defense. Israel has consistently sought to be in a position to deter Hamas from launching attacks and a ground invasion was considered a key instrument of that policy. Ironically, however, it is Hamas who has deterred Israel from launching a ground invasion in this round and, if the author's words are heeded, in the future.

idf targetting hamas military personnels and hamas exchange firing idf personnels is reasonable and on the path. but brutally launching missiles into israel territory is redecules. it generates further reprisal by israel forces into hamas positions and retaliated. The civilian casualties on hamas side is merely caused by hamas it self..coz hamas mixed homogenously with innocent people. Off course idf very difficult to determine which are militants and who are innocents. israelis also need protection.

Excellent article, an unusually intelligent and reasoned appraisal of a highly emotive and dividing situation. History has shown beyond any doubt that conflict will not solve the Israeli-Palestinian crisis - a meaningful and determined search for peace is the only route left and I truly hope the Israeli people remember this when they vote in their next government. Peace be with you, friends.

Hamas launching Rockets into Israel; defines logic and is responsible for the carnage in Gaza! Common sense must replace arrogance; the future must usurp the past; acceptance must trump tolerance; forgiveness has to supersede retribution, if anything good is going to come out of the “madness” in the Middle-East! The launching of Rockets by Hamas into Israel for the past years and having continued this madness has brought us to the present predicament. These actions defy logic, irrespective of how much Hamas and its supporters “spin the nonsense.” There isn’t a Country in the Middle East than can win a War against Israel and with that being fact, to what end is Hamas’ Madness? Yes, I think it is a fact that the world agrees that there must be a Two State implementation that perhaps would bring about a final resolve to this endless conflict, but, Hamas firing Rockets into Israel, fully cognizant that Israel would retaliate, simply put, is a sinister move by Hamas. [Hamas is responsible for the death and destruction from the Israeli munitions] If Hamas truly cared about the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza rather than being a “Proxy” for Iran, that would be a more positive step in the right direction. © Sheriff Ali 2012 Follow me on Twitter – over 300,000 followers! https://twitter.com/sheriffali http://wp.me/p1wG70-jt

The ultimate loser is the hope for peace. Peace is never gained at the end of a missile. From either side. But the status quo is unsustainable. The sooner the current government realizes that, the better. You can only hold people down for so long. The world is watching.

Maybe if Israel embraces the Arab Peace Initiative instead of ignoring it there may not be a next time. Instead of dwelling in negativity try positive actions for a change...Try Peace!