Palestinians see victory in Gaza truce as Israel warns Hamas (plus pics)

[Celerity]

https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-coronavirus-pandemic-41d515a273b54187d429887a3ae9d9e8



GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinians rallied by the thousands Friday after a cease-fire took effect in the latest Gaza war, with many viewing it as a costly but clear victory for the Islamic militant group Hamas. Israel vowed to respond with a “new level of force” to further hostilities. The 11-day war left more than 250 dead — the vast majority Palestinians — and brought widespread devastation to the already impoverished Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. But the rocket barrages that brought life to a standstill in much of Israel were seen by many Palestinians as a bold response to perceived Israeli abuses in Jerusalem, the emotional heart of the conflict. Like the three previous wars, the latest round of fighting ended inconclusively.

Israel claimed it inflicted heavy damage on Hamas but once again was unable to halt the rockets. Even as it claims victory, Hamas faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding in a territory already suffering from high unemployment and a coronavirus outbreak, and from years of blockade by Egypt and Israel. The conflict brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years. The continued volatility was on display when clashes broke out between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police following Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem sacred to Jews and Muslims. Clashes there earlier this month were one of the main triggers for the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fended off criticism from his hawkish base who said he ended the offensive prematurely without a more decisive blow to Hamas. Israel had done “daring and new things, and this without being dragged into unnecessary adventures,” he said. Its forces caused “maximum damage to Hamas with a minimum of casualties in Israel,” he added. Netanyahu warned against further attacks, saying, “If Hamas thinks we will tolerate a drizzle of rockets, it is wrong.” He vowed to respond with “a new level of force” against aggression anywhere in Israel. He said Israeli strikes killed more than 200 militants, including 25 senior commanders, and hit more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of militant tunnels. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad militant group have only acknowledged 20 fighters killed.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a televised speech from the Qatari capital of Doha that the war “opened the door to new phases that will witness many victories.” He called it a “quantum leap” that will build support among Palestinians for “resistance” rather than failed negotiations. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 243 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl. Celebrations erupted in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem at 2 a.m. when the cease-fire took hold. In Gaza City, thousands took to the streets, and young men waved Palestinian and Hamas flags, passed out sweets, honked horns and set off fireworks.

snip

[TreasonousBastard]

1. "Victory" my ass. There is no victory, just continual destruction until one side...

is effectively eliminated.

And we know which side is destined to disappear.

[Celerity]

3. I think they are looking at it as anytime they avoid 'the big one' (ie. all full stop attempt at

complete destruction/removal/genocide, even if not 100% straight away) they are going to claim 'victory'.

[cloudbase]

2. A couple more victories like that

and they'll really have something to celebrate.

[WHITT]

4. Indeed

Israel claimed it inflicted heavy damage on Hamas but once again was unable to halt the rockets.

The Likud tried a massive bombing campaign, but they could not stop the rockets.

The Likud tried targeted guided missile attacks, but they could not stop the rockets.

The Likud tried firing mindless artillery shells, but they could not stop the rockets.

The Lukid tried launching weapons from navel vessels, but they could not stop the rockets.

The Likud could not risk sending their tanks into Gaza, so they attempted a bluff by positioning their tanks right on the border, but the rockets kept coming.

A member of the Hamas leadership told BBC radio that they have thrown down the gauntlet, and the days of Likud doing whatever they want is over. They warned the Likud via Egypt, that if the Likud enters the Al-Aqsa complex, the rockets will fly. If the Likud tries to evict any Palestinians from their homes, the rockets will fly. If the Likud tries to build any additional illegal settlements, the rockets will fly.

Something tells me the Likud and their One Sick Puppy leader will indeed cause the rockets to fly.

[hack89]

5. Letting the rockets fly will end in disaster for the Palestinians

The balance of power is so disproportionate. More death, more misery for absolutely nothing.

[WHITT]

6. Even More War Crimes

on top of War Crimes, is not very good optics. The Likud is already losing a lot of support, and their relentless lies and fake videos are not helping.

[hack89]

7. Perhaps. But it makes no difference for the Palestinians

It is not like things will magically change and they will get everything they want.

[WHITT]

8. Not Our Call

Plus, I'm quite sure you would feel differently if YOU were living under Illegal Military Occupation.

[hack89]

9. I sympathize with their feelings

But feelings are irrelevant to the situation. Not every problem has a fair and just solution.

[EX500rider]

11. "if YOU were living under Illegal Military Occupation."

Of course Hamas and Gaza are not under any type of occupation and haven't been since the Israeli's pulled out in 2005.

You keep claiming they are but are incorrect.

Feel free to post some links to facts in your reply...?

[WHITT]

12. NLRTCURT

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. There are Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank too

who are mentioned in the OP. The start of this was the Israeli government's actions against East Jerusalem Palestinians, who are obviously under occupation. Hamas wants support in East Jerusalem and the West Bank too.

[EX500rider]

15. However the poster I am responding to

... keeps claiming that Gaza is under illegal military occupation

[EX500rider]

10. "but they could not stop the rockets."

Except Iron Dome did in fact intercept and stop almost 90% of the rockets headed to inhabited areas.
That's why over 4,000 rockets fired only killed 13 Israelis.

And Hamas can claim all they like but they have a limited supply of rockets and are most likely very low on them now.

[WHITT]

13. NLRTCURT