|
Trending Topics
|
Act 1 of an Unfolding Drama in Gaza
(Al-Monitor) Ben Caspit - The March 30 "March of Return" at the Gaza border was Act 1 of an unfolding drama orchestrated by Hamas in an attempt to change the rules of the game and create a new balance of power. "Just imagine what could have happened," one senior Israeli defense official told Al-Monitor. "Picture the outcome if they would have burst through the fence, even at a single point, and begun marching into Israel." "We don't have the privilege of allowing masses of Palestinians to march to Jerusalem, Ashkelon or any of the kibbutzim along the fence." "The fact that the recent event ended with 16 casualties, 12 of whom have already been identified as Hamas terrorists, but without any casualties among the women and children, is a very significant achievement on our part." "No country in the world would allow terrorists to break through its borders. All anyone has to do is to listen to the leaders of Hamas. They did not call this event a demonstration against the occupation but a March of Return." "They announced that they would be marching to Jerusalem. They declare again and again that they do not recognize Israel's right to exist. That is why they leave us no choice but to block them by force."