|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.economist.com/world/middle-east/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15913000
Gazans Tire of Their Rockets
(Economist-UK) A macabre new joke doing the rounds of Gaza's cafes makes light of the unpredictability of the home-made rockets sporadically fired at Israel by Palestinian militants from within the territory. One of the missiles falls short, killing a family of five. "You see how effective they are," explains a spokesman in his militia's heroic communique. It is not very funny, but it reflects a growing cynicism among Gazans towards violence in which the direct and indirect costs fall most heavily on the territory's weary population. The rockets have maimed more Gazans than Israelis. Criticism of the rocket campaign, hitherto taboo, is now common. Hamas has suspended attacks, at least temporarily, in an effort to consolidate its rule and prevent a renewed war with Israel which it knows it cannot win. Three weeks ago Hamas' senior leaders hurried into hiding after two Israeli soldiers on patrol near the perimeter were killed.