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There Is a Path for Gaza

(Jerusalem Post) Jason Greenblatt - We share the desire to see a thriving economy in Gaza with jobs for all those who strive to work. We understand that war will not bring a better life to Palestinians in Gaza; in fact it will create more misery, suffering, and loss for all. Hamas chooses terrorism, rationalizing violence as a means of achieving their political objectives. But this has no chance of succeeding. Hamas will never defeat Israel, and each rocket, flaming swastika-displaying kite, and terror tunnel brings Gaza closer to destruction, not to prosperity. The old tactic of threatening violence to elicit international aid has failed. The United States cares for the Palestinian people and wants to help, but we will not empower a regime that launches attacks on Israeli kindergartens. The threats and violent behavior of Hamas prevent the international community from being able to ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hamas must realize that the world has passed it by. The civilized world does not accept violence and terrorism as a legitimate form of resistance. Hamas must renounce these tactics and admit that Gaza needs help it cannot provide. If Hamas wants Gaza to be like Singapore or Dubai, it needs to embrace change, to embrace democracy, pluralism, cooperation, human rights, and freedom. These do not exist in Gaza. We and others around the world have made it clear what Hamas' next steps must be: renounce violence, recognize Israel, and accept previous agreements. Commit to peace and the improvement of Palestinian lives. The writer is U.S. Special Representative for International Negotiations.
2018-10-19 00:00:00
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