Well, I guess that means that the crocodile tears being shed for the "poor, innocent civilians" in Gaza are no longer necessary. Those civilians have clearly jumped straight from the frying pan into the fire and I, for one, am perfectly happy to let them burn. Time to put an end to all Israeli featherbedding of those unrepentant terrorist animals. No more aid -- let their leadership feed, clothe and take care of their medical needs. No more electricity and fresh water -- let their Islamic Jihad idols take care of that, too. It is time to bring Gaza to its knees. Long past time, actually. Gaza is in dire need of a wake-up call -- without Israeli help, they will wither away and die, and no one in the world will lift up a hand to help. Works for me.

once hamas starts taking responsibility for their people ie providing economy, infrastructure, etc, they have to give up thing like sending missles into civilian neighborhoods

This article does not represent the facts and is misleading the readers to believe that the majority of Gazans support Islamic Jihad because it is firing rockets at Israel. First of all, I am more than certain that the majority of Gazans are against firing of rockets at Israel. Actualy during the latest round of violence I heared alot of people in Gaza denouncing the rocket fire. People here are not as bad is you think, they want to live normal, they want and want to enjoy life but they are helpless. During Cast Lead I saw in my own eyes people standing up to these rocket launching cells and stopping them by force but what di they get?? they were shot at and threatened to death. So there innocents Gazans who represent the majority are caught up in the fire. The strong few be it Hamas or Jihad has the power and the money to apply foreign agenda's like Iran in the name of liberating Palestine. People who elected Hamas did so because the PA was so corrupted, now it turned out Hamas is even more corrupted and if Isalmic Jihad comes to power they will do the same. People know now more than ever that it is all about some agenda of some country but again they are helpless and coannot express.

I believe that most Gazans know the fact that Israel controls the fate of Gaza Strip, and that it willingly chose to respond this way during the last round of fighting. The biggest evidence is that Hamas is risking some of its popularity, and is trying to prevent rocket firing because of the Cast Led war, which continues to act as deterrent. Hamas has invested a lot in Gaza and it is looking for ways yo extend its rule and not ending it. This means that they have to preserve the calm or they and all the Gazans will pay.

Mark. If you really are in Gaza and disagree with this piece, then why don't you write and tell us your experiences there. It's true. We really don't know what is happening and can only believe articles like this and the thousands of rockets that are being let lose from the enclave. Why not a 'Gaza Spring' and an outpouring of people proclaiming that they actually want peace? Or am I too naive?

I think, Israel should help those pore people(innocent) from Gaza. It`s such a shame that those radicals are launching attacks against civilian cities from Israel. I believe that everyone did mistakes in the past and each one should learn from this. War is not good. Israel with all it`s neighbors(Jordan and Egypt) should get together and help Palestinians, they are human being, not animals. Give them food, education, FREEDOM and land(to form a country, free one), not weapons. Everyone, stand up and be against war and crimes of innocent people.

Are you a legit Gazan, ISM member, or Western aid worker or doctor?

Ros, you are right, I should start writing more and more to try to elaborate on this issue; I will even bring more Gazans to the table so they can express to the world our good intentions. A Gaza spring is impossible and that is because Gaza is controlled by a militia and not by a legitimate government. These militia men make their own rules and apply them and who dares to ask why will simply be eliminated in the name of “defending the nation and national security”. That is simply it.

Yes, I am a legit Gazan, and I have been living in Gaza for many many years.

You are so right. The "Peace Process" has brought wealth to a few well-connected people (Arabs, Israelis, Westerners) but only misery and death to many (Arabs and Jews). Sadly, Israeli leaders are too cowardly or too corrupt to take your advice. Israel should liberate Judea, Samaria and Gaza from the Arab occupation, eliminate all terror groups including Hamas and Fatah, and finally end this war for the good of all people, Christians, Muslims and Jews.

If what you say is true, please tell it to the ngo's and flotilla crazies who blame Israel for Gaza's troubles. Also tell it to Erdogan, the UN and the EU. In fact, tell it to the world.

we will see in the near future problems in Gaza between different factions. This new popularity of Jihad Islami will prompt Hamas to try to regain the support they had before. That could happen in 2 ways. Or they will try to discredit Jiham Islami and other (more) terrorist groups, or they will have to be more violent in their actions against Israel. In my opinion Hamas will try the first option, but we never know with these people...

for strengthen of the radicals.

I honestly believe you are right Mark. Opinion polls have shown that a majority of Palestinians want to live in peace with Israel. Unfortunately, for them and Israel, they are stuck between a rock and a hard place with only the corrupt PA and the fanatical Islamists to choose as their political masters.

There is the future possibility of Gaza slipping into civil war and someone should take this opportunity and fan the fires ;)

That is absolutely right!

I am not sure you thought out your Talkback so well. Are you saying that Jews should allow themselves to be murdered so that Jihad will be weaker than Hamas? Or are you saying that Hamas, that publically calls for the extermination of every Jewish man, woman and child, is "moderate"?

responsibility for itself. Its blame blame blame...no mirrors for self reflection ethically...maybe thats why they are covered up so they can't see the truth, so they can't see themselves....

but not bad enough to give credibility and freedom of movement to Gazan terrorists so a few innocents will be saved. In Arab lands all over the Middle East and Africa, the public has stood up to the ruling despots to demand a change. In Gaza, they denounce Israel, parade in the streets for Hamas war crimes, then run for protection under the UN, while claiming THEY were really the impetus for the Arab Spring. Truth is - the majority of Gazans voted for Hamas, the majority of Gazans (in their own words and through "Palestinian" polling agencies) have supported attacks on Israel and Hamas' end goals. I believe what you say is true. More than a handful of Gazans have voiced their sadness that Jews left Gaza and that life under Israel was far better than under Hamas or even the PLO. But I believe the number is much lower than you claim, especially with Rafah being wide open for transit and no one is leaving.

...me thinks Mark is really Moshe, a leftie from TLV. As to Gazans not having any other choices other than a corrupt PA or an Islamist Hamas...BS! The fact of the matter is that the Gazans themselves are radical, just like their fellow Arabs (and most of the rest of the non-Arab Muslms). True moderates, belivers in liberal democratic ideology, are few and far between. Is it really that shocking that the "Arab Spring" skipped right over summer and fall and went directly into an Islamic winter!?! Please pull your head out of the sand...

A step back reveals that the emergence of Islamic Jihad, PRC, is the result of Hamas distancing itself from the Iranian/Syrian regimes. It is being out financed now by IJ/PRC, to show Teheran's anger. The fools at Hamas are probably only just now realizing the difficulty that arises when you try to actually govern, without being under the jackboot and finances of Iran. The unspoken, and yet un-seen reaction between the three terrorist organizations, will soon become very violent, as it did when Hamas threw Fatah from the rooftops and shot the knees out from their opponents. Watch, this will soon begin. There is no way Hamas, after all their struggles and losses, will allow that power usurped. The Hamas cannot tell other terrorists to stop shouting with any real public calls, thus the upcoming, behind the scenes violence. Hamas has been responsible for Cast Lead, and was pummeled harshly. Rightfully so. The restraint they showed this time is stark in its contrast. The result has been that the Iranians have become fed up with them, and have now elected to use another group(s). In the internecine world of Muslim political life, that means killings, disappearing's, kidnappings and all the rest till an eventual 'strongman or group comes to the fore. Hamas will not go down without a fight. It is That fight that will determine who shall reign supreme as the 'defenders of the Pali's'. Israel is correct to kill those that may emerge to usurp Hamas, as well as those that would attempt to harm Israeli's. That way there can be much Israeli control in the matter. Kol Hakavod IDF. Wait til the time is ripe to reap your harvest of terrorist death. While they fight amongst themselves, is always the best time to strike at them. They cannot see the forest but for the trees. Shalom Israel, Rob

1. If the majority of Gazans are against firing missiles into Israeli civilian centers, why haven't you all risen up and demand that the terrorists stop? 2. Thank you for confirming that terrorist groups in Gaza do indeed use human shields. I know that approximately 85% of Gazans killed during Cast Lead were terrorists. How many civilians in Gaza were killed by terrorists and not, in fact, by Israeli troops? 3. If you feel so oppressed and want the world to know that most Gazans desire to live in peace with Israel, it's your job to get the news out. Contact foreign journalists, use social media -- do whatever you have to do. Until then, Israel will continue to defend itself against missile and mortar fire. Unlike your terrorist so-called "leadership," Israel cares about its civilian population.

Israel trucks in tens of thousands of metric tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza on a weekly basis. Israel treats their grievously ill in Israeli hospitals. Israel pays a small fortune on a monthly basis out of Israeli tax revenues. What has Romania done? And unless and until Romania does something, oughtn't you shut up and mind your own business? No one is interested in what YOU think. Israel GAVE them land. Israel gave them all of Gaza. Give them Bessarabia, why don't you?

Have ever looked at other states such as Turkey and Kurds or Syria and Kurds Iran and Kurds? Before judging go and live in Israel and then make comments. Israel is the most peaceful state in middleast but without Hamas!!!

I believe you. I wonder, is it possible to arm the people of Gaza for a revolution like Egypt and Libya? ( and not have Hamas, the muslim brotherhood, or Fatah included?) Seems that there's a whole lot of arms being smuggled into Gaza, is anyone 'creative' enough to form a democratic revolt and a militia and try and take back the land, Gaza, which is in real jeopardy? Damn, if you people aren't in your own private hell. See why nations have revolutions? Your waaay overdue, Dude. After a while, excuses just don't cut it. None of your 'leaders' are worth a sh*t. ( kinda like our obama administration)

I suppose those who pretend that genocidal Fatah are "moderate peace partners" can take the next step and pretend that equally genocidal Hamas are also "peace partners". It would not be the least surprising to hear Israeli leftists begin to parrot the line that Israel should embrace Hamas or else the "real extremists will take over the P.A."

but shame more dont get the word out, i also know many were sorry Israel pulled out. They were happy working and living with us, but sadly those of power wanted just that, power over the ignorant, but seems many are waking up....maybe Gaza will have its own "arab spring" soon and get rid of those that seem determined to get them killed. You must understand our citizens are also under fire, including some of my own family, so naturally i want our military to do all it can to protect them. SO to the people of Gaza...dont put up with any longer, you have a right to live, your kids a right to a future just as ours, but if you just sit and let your fanatics launch rockets into Israel, then there will be retaliation, because we are also angry and push for it. Evil prevails because good people sit and let it..so Gazans DO SOMETHING!!! G-d bless our IDF.!

start fighting each other for power in Gaza!!!

Regardless of Mark's identity, there has to be at least an element of truth in what he says. There must be people who want nothing better than to get on with the business of living. The general population is used as pawns and even more so the 'refugees' - who have been designated refugees for generations to suit the Palestinian cause. Radicalization of the masses is indeed the express intention of Hamas and the PA, but in the process those very people suffer terribly. Christian Palestinians have been mercilessly persecuted by Muslims for years - and this does not make headlines around the world. This sort of news does not sell newspapers.