But above all, it was intended as a trap—one that Israel appears about to fall into.
After all, Israel has had control of the land strip from the outside, but not on the inside.
Hamas has never been a part of the PLO, in large measure because it is unwilling to accept the PLO’s treaty agreements with Israel.
Those civilians have already been cut off from electricity, water, food, and medicine, all of which are controlled by Israel.
Perhaps not surprisingly, guerrillas emerging from their ranks indeed acted like animals when they attacked southern Israel.
Washington and other friends of Israel who are now seized with sympathy should immediately caution Israel not to make this blunder.
If Israel instead exercises restraint, however difficult doing so might be both politically and emotionally, it can thwart the goals of Hamas and its Iranian sponsors. »
