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Israeli Experts View Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations
(Media Line-Jerusalem Post) Charles Bybelezer - Maj.-Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland, formerly the head of Israel's National Security Council, said, "Gaza has become a de facto state, as it comprises a set area with a central body that governs the population, has an army and conducts foreign policy. So in a way countries have to be pragmatic and negotiate with Hamas. Israel's main interest is security - a period of complete calm in Gaza - and it is willing to do what is necessary to achieve this." Eiland attributes the potential to reach a truce agreement with Hamas to a dramatic shift in Egypt's policy. "Until recently, Cairo insisted that Abbas re-assume control over Gaza, which Hamas would not accept, specifically the call for it to disarm. Now, Egypt understands that this is not realistic and is only demanding that Hamas prevent [ISIS] in the Sinai from smuggling in weaponry." Dr. Einat Wilf, a former Knesset member who served on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, says, "At the moment, the PA... represents Palestinians who cling to the idea of armed struggle. Real leaders can only emerge once the prevailing Palestinian ethos changes. And this will only happen when the world demands it." "The question should not be 'yes, [deal with] Hamas or no Hamas,' but rather why 70% of Gazans view themselves as refugees. One of the reasons Gaza has failed is that its people are committed to fighting for all of 'Palestine,' from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea. The global community needs to reassert that it will work with anyone that makes it clear that the future of the people of Gaza will be in Gaza."