Meretz USA sharpens call for diplomatic solution to Gaza fighting (1/7/09)

As the war in Gaza enters its tragic twelfth day and the casualties  mount, including far too many civilians, Meretz USA reiterates and sharpens its call for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas, so as to enable the establishment of a more stable and tenable reality for all people in the region.  Notwithstanding the transition period in American politics, we look to the US Administration to lead the diplomatic efforts necessary to secure such a resolution. 

Israel made clear at the start of the campaign that its goal was the creation of a "new security reality" for its citizens.  Israel must now display a clear determination to achieve this goal through diplomatic, rather than military, means.

Although Hamas has been an implacable enemy of Israeli-Palestinian peace, Israel would be ill-advised to attempt to topple the organization's rule in Gaza, as a number of its senior Cabinet members have suggested.  Israel should not and could not impose a "pliant" Palestinian regime in Gaza.  A permanent Israeli reoccupation of the area - another possible outcome of continued fighting - would be just as bad for peace, and worse for Israel still. 

For the present, Israel will therefore need to devise a strategy for living alongside Hamas-controlled Gaza, just as, in years past, it lived alongside neighbors that refused to recognize its existence, or even called for its destruction.  Stabilizing such a situation will be a difficult and complex task, which will probably require the following elements:

• A long-term and absolute cessation of fighting between Israel and Hamas-controlled Gaza;
• The creation of appropriate mechanisms so that Hamas could not exploit the truce to further enhance its military capacity;
• The opening of the Gaza Strip to allow for commerce with the outside world, and to provide for freedom of movement by Palestinian civilians;
• International, US-led involvement, to actively monitor that all the terms of the cease-fire are being honored;
• A reenergized peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority so that the Palestinians of Gaza, and elsewhere, can be offered a credible alternative to the despair on which Hamas thrives;
• US-led, international diplomatic engagement, to ensure that Israeli-Palestinian negotiations stay on track towards the achievement of an equitable and viable two-state solution, as part of a comprehensive resolution of the regional conflict. Anything short of this will inevitably deteriorate into chronic, and occasionally acute, warfare.

At this time of fear, pain and suffering, it is also important that the supporters of a negotiated two-state solution not lose sight of the fact that, when the guns finally fall silent, the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remain, festering and awaiting resolution.  

Sadly, the current fighting has given rise to some rancor within the pro-Israel/pro-peace community.  Some have ardently defended Israel's operation.  Others have questioned its wisdom.  Cross words have sometimes been exchanged.

It is our fervent hope that, when calm again prevails, all those who understand the danger to Israel caused by the occupation will be able to overcome their differences, push past the anger inevitably evoked by conflict, and make common cause once again for peace in Israel and Palestine.