Can Israel and Hamas Learn From History?

Posted by Neil Gunn Jan 2, 2009

Although there is a very powerful argument that Israel has a legitimate reason to enter Gaza, there is a real threat that if they do so many innocent lives will be lost.

However, for any significant progress to be made towards a lasting ceasefire the Israeli government must think the unthinkable and then talk to Hamas.

The only logical solution is for Hamas, Israel and other relevant parties to come together and talk to each other.

For this to happen, whether we like it or not, we must rely on a strong American president. Only the USA has enough political and economic muscle to bring both sides to the table but will a new administration have the vision?

With Barack Obama’s first day in the Oval office looming and Israeli tanks massing on Gaza’s border perhaps he is already reflecting that history is littered with examples of governments talking to groups that are perceived, in the world’s eyes, to be terrorists. Let’s hope so.