(Chicago Tribune) Editorial - Ever since Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip last month, the terrorists of Hamas have been flexing their military muscle. On Friday, during a Hamas rally in Gaza, a truck carrying rockets exploded, killing 16 Palestinians. Hamas immediately blamed Israel for the blast, but on Sunday, Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian Authority determined that the blast was caused by one of Hamas' own shells dropping out of a vehicle laden with weapons. Nevertheless, as "retaliation," Hamas launched rocket attacks against Israeli towns. Abbas has big plans for Gaza, but they won't happen with Hamas lobbing shells into Israel. The Gaza Strip is a test for Abbas, and the PA, to see whether they can build this territory into a peaceful and prosperous place, a potential first step toward a national homeland. If Hamas prevails, however, it's a step into the abyss of endless chaos and violence.
2005-09-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive