U.S. Blocks Gaza Cease-Fire

Initially calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, it appears Bush has changed his mind. This makes absolutely no sense!

From Fox News --

Libyan Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi said the United States during the discussions objected to "any outcome" on the proposed statement. He said efforts were made to compromise on a weaker press statement but there was no consensus.

Several other council members, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations were closed, also said the U.S. was responsible for the council's failure to issue a statement.

The U.S., Israel's closest ally, has designated Hamas a terrorist organization. U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the United States saw no prospect of Hamas abiding by last week's council call for an immediate end to the violence. Therefore, he said, a new statement "would not be adhered to and would have no underpinning for success, (and) would not do credit to the council." More...

While Israel has every right to defend their borders and protect their residents from terrorist rocket attacks - continuing the the violence will only worsen the situation. I am not sticking up for either side - as both claim they are right. And yes, I, the scorched earth fighting/kill all terrorists type of guy, believe Israel should put a halt on furthering the ground attack.

This is a very complicated situation. First, in my opinion, Bush should NOT have pushed for elections that Hamas was sure to win - but he did.

Unfortunately, in this case and unlike Iraq, a regime change will not work. Israel is fighting an ideology - a movement - from a sub-set of world wide radical Islam - not a country. Even the son of Hamas leader, who has converted to Christianity & denounced the group, agrees...

JONATHAN HUNT: Do you believe that Israel can ever strike a peace deal with Hamas?

MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF: There is no chance. Is there any chance for fire to co-exist with the water? There is no chance. Hamas can play politics for 10 years, 15 years; but ask any one of Hamas’ leaders, ‘Okay, what’s going to happen after that? Are you just going to live and co-exist with Israel forever?’ The answer is going to be no … unless they want to do something against the Koran. But it’s their ideology and they can’t just say ‘We’re not going to do it.’ So there is no chance. It’s not about Israel, it’s not about Hamas: it’s about both ideologies. There is no chance. (H/T Conservative Culture)

Continuing the ground attack only plays into the hands of the Hamas terrorists and gives other Islamic regimes and terrorists groups a rallying cause. Instead of responsibly inserting ourselves, calling for a cease-fire and playing 'good guys', the U.S. only adds fuel to the "kill the apostates" fire by blocking the cease-fire demand.

Don't get me wrong, Hamas is a terrorist group and must be stopped. But it cannot be done by Israel, for that matter, it cannot be done by any country imposing their will. It must be done from within by the Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.

For some great reading - click here - and read Jill's (WLST) very insightful post about the Israel/Palestinian conflict.