Opinion  Ray Hanania
Hamas should resign
Ray Hanania
Published: 25.12.06, 20:36
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1. intafada started with the withdrawl from leb, not sharon.end
(12.25.06)
2. Hamas voted itself in with the Qassam
Steve ,   USA   (12.25.06)
B"H Abbas has responded by offering another “hudna” to Israel. But the hudna is a sham because the offer does not come from the Palestinian armed force of Hamas. It is offered by the Abbas political organization which does not have military control over Hammas. In other words, Hammas is saying they will stop engaging in their acts of violence and terrorism if Israel agrees to give them a political victory by withdrawing from the occupied territories. But Abbas has no say in the matter that is effective enough to stop the shelling, undermining the concept that the PA can actually govern and fulfill its commitments. Indeed Abbas has no commitment that Israel can count on to stop the violence of Hammas against population centers such as Sderot or Ashkelon, so that Israel has political motivation to destroy Jewish homes in the West Bank and force them closer to the watchful eye of Tel Aviv. Not to mention that Fatah (an Abbas proxy) has the highest frequency of attempted attacks on Israel's major population center Tel Aviv when it is empowered to militarily act. There is a complete lack of credibility from Hammas or Abbas at this stage, though Abbas seems committed to a "phased destruction" meaning that in the interlude it might recognize Israel until it is able to attack Israel, whereas Hamas is already implementing the single-state solution where Jews are attacked daily in their population centers, to give these Jews a preview of the result of "empowerment" to violence. So long as Hammas, whether elected or not, acts as an armed malitia against Israel and specifically towards the murder of Jews as its example of fine governnance, the vote does not matter. This is a major tragedy for the Arabs who live helplessly under a dictatorship that fires rockets at Israel so that Israel is "forced" to retaliate against that population, leaving that population like animals locked in a cage of Hamas violence. I am not seeing an easy solution to this problem, especially since Israel is no longer willing to act as the Hammas military wing against the local Arab population indiscriminately. It would be wishful thinking to say that if Hamas is banned from the election that it would simply no longer preserve its destructive role, with or without being elected to do so. Not to mention that the electorate is not particularly bright on the matter, having set a terror organization at its helm in the last vote. Quote: President Mahmoud Abbas has rightly called for new elections. Hamas has responded by offering another “hudna” to Israel. But the hudna is a sham because the offer does not come from the Palestinian government. It is offered by the Hamas political organization. In other words, Hamas is saying they will stop engaging in their acts of violence and terrorism if Israel agrees to give them a political victory by withdrawing from the occupied territories. I want Israel to withdraw from the territories, but not to give Hamas a semblance of victory.
3. Sharon did NOT cause the 2nd intifada
D ,   Israel   (12.25.06)
This second intifada errupted because of the Camp David failure. Arafat was offered Gaza, 98% of the West Bank. The remaining 2% was land, in the Negev, to be given to Arafat in compensation. He was offered all of East Jerusalem and to be called the 'capital' of the new Palestinian state. He was also offered a big package in compensation for the refugee issue and allow 100,000 Palestinians into Israel proper! However, he (Arafat) said no. What he wanted, was for Israel to absorb 2 million Palestinians into Israel proper. And this Israel cannot do. What Arafat and all Palestinians want is one state for their own and another one in Israel to eventually destroy the State of Israel, perhaps through demography and democracy. Barak, then PM, called Mofaz, then IDF Chief and instructed him to prepare the army for a confrontation. Arafat threatened to start a war, got up and left both Clinton and Barak sitting in the living room looking like 2 idiots! The Palestinians all, ALL have one goal. To destroy Israel. Then perhaps to take over Jordan and who knows what else.
4. I hope the Pals make the right choice in this election
Yehuda ,   USA   (12.25.06)
Get independence first and then deal with internal corruption. Surely life was better for them with corruption vs. the aweful conditions they live through now. Merry xmas Ray.
5. hamas is a reality
mordechai ,   jerusalem, israel   (12.25.06)
We on the right have a habit of negotiating with our selves. We develop and argue over all sorts of peace plans that we know no one else will look at. On the left, they do something far worse; They make all sorts of concessions on behalf of the nation when they are not in power and don't represent the people. This inevitably wets the appitite of our enemies for further concessions on our part. The above article promotes further distancing ourselves from reality. Hamas represents the arabs of the Gaza coast. Whether we choose to face them in battle, sit at the negotiating table with them or anything else, itis unhealthy for Israeli security to make believe that this is not so.
6. Most of terror attacks were done by Fatah.
Dana ,   Israel   (12.25.06)
7. Hamas was elected by the people! Live with it!
lydia ,   Brisane, Australia   (12.26.06)
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt et al allowed the continued subjugation of the Palestinians by the jews who in turn declared Fatah/Abbas corrupt. The Palestinians chose Hamas instead of Fatah as their duly democratically elected representative. Abbas wants now wants a new election while Olmert instead of putting the $500mil of confiscated Palestinian taxes into the Finance Ministry, wants to put $100mil into Abbas’s account. Bribery and corruption in plain sight and for Olmert to bribe Abbas with the meagre sustenance of the Palestinians proves they both are crooked, deceitful and as stupid as each other.
8. Hanyeih offered to resign
lydia ,   Brisbane, Australia   (12.26.06)
I seem to recall that Hanyeih offered to step down if the confiscated money would be returned and the incarcerated Palestinians released. Seems like a fair proposition to me, but Olmert instead wishes to bribe Abbas into a civil war with Hamas. I wouldn't bet on any horses Olmert was on, if Lebanon was a preview of how it would end.
9. blaming Israel again
Jeff ,   Philadelphia, USA   (12.26.06)
You stated that Sharon provoked violence. You stated that Netanyahu vowed to destroy the peace accords. You blamed Israel for allowing Hamas to participate in elections. You would have blamed Israel for sticking its nose in Palestinian elections if Israel did NOT allow Hamas. Come on Ray, place some responsibility on the Palestinian people for voting in Hamas and helping them terrorize Israel, helping their terrorists escape knowing that Israel does not fire on civilians, etc. Hold the Palestinian general population responsible for their problems, and for Israel's, for once.
10. Hanania, you and Savir have the same grip on reality
AK   (12.26.06)
Hamas happens to represent what the majority of Palestinians stand for, and not, unfortunately, what you would wish for them or imagine them to stand for.
11. All of a sudden Fatah are angels
Christian Bianrossa   (12.26.06)
Do not forget who Fatah really are. Fatah and Hamas are 2 heads of the same snake, I'm not buying the whitewashing.
12. Say hello to democracy Ray
Daniel ,   Formerly Israel   (12.26.06)
It's very nice and fun to call for democracy and say that it will fixall of your problems, but more than likely you are going to wind up in the minority and te majority of your people are going to elect a government tha does exactly the opposite of what you want. Welcome to my world.
13. why didn't palestinians respond to suicide bombings?
mike ,   israel (formerly usa   (12.26.06)
oh, i forgot that they did: dancing in the streets, handing out sweets, joyously ululating. the fact is they DO support terrorism against jews. ray, in his usual simplicity, claims that hamas' terrorism is meant to "incite Israelis against peace" and "provoke Israeli retaliation and violence to undermine peace". ray, hamas' actions have the full support of the people. since the palestinians as a whole endorse terrorism, israel's response is logical, valid, and morally appropriate. and again we get the weekly (or, weakly) dose of moral equivalence from the comedian. "extremists on both sides" means that a settler living in a temporary shack on a wind-swept hill is the counterpart to the suicide bomber who kills dozens and maims scores. as we all remember, those "obstacles to peace" settlements in gaza are no more - they were undone. lives shredded by palestinian "extremists" are forever gone, never to be undone or replaced . AND the reference to the "partners of the two-state solution" is the comedian's joke today. rabin gave up land and countless other concessions while arafat, in the spirit of 'land for peace', got land but allowed and orchestrated new heights of terror while inciting his people to "jihad!" for his part of the 'peace' bargain. oh yes, and he even rejected out of hand with no discussion the camp david offer for his precious state. partners. keep telling your jokes here in the opinion section, ray. ynet needs a court jester and you're doing a fine job.
14. Democracy
Rasheed ,   Palestine   (12.26.06)
Mr Hanaia , It is better for you to stop this rubbish ! Palestinian People elected their representatives in a democratic process . When they fail to deliver their promises , they will be voted down again. I believe if a new election takes place now , Hamas will win although with not the same majority
15. ya hanania
nansi ,   jerusalem   (12.26.06)
who give you the right to tell that is the correct who tell that you are correct to tell this right hanania better to tell a story about the wife and the son ,, i feel you will have something from the heart .. sure you like your family .. but sure you are not out of the big family ,, the palastinian one // fath is the worst thing happened to the palastinians .specially when they reach the rule .. they are bunch of thieves .. but hamass have no money to give the families not to steale it .. this is the fact about the life of palastinian family .. this fact is away from the policy and religion .. it is a social fact .. . hanania i do not believe you in this article and i feel that yourselfe do not believe yourselfe also .. it is policy not the true
16. Lydia has my vote
JPS ,   Efrat   (12.26.06)
I'll vote for Lydia as my "duly democratically elected representative" - since I'm an Israeli living in Palestine I can vote either way, right? (ok, granted I'd have to give up one passport or the other). And don't forget, Lydia, that as my "duly democratically elected representative" you're gonna have to abide by those duly agreed upon international laws and such. So, a Hamas government headed by Lydia would obviously respect international human rights agreements and respect Israel as a member of the United Nations. Or, could it be that Lydia is like Hamas and thinks that being elected gives you the right to make up the laws as you see fit? Sorry, Lydia, it doesn't. Ray is correct when he says that Hamas is an illegitimate government. Not only that, but they aren't delivering the goods to their electorate and the Pals are sinking even deeper into the mud. It's super easy to get the $500 million - all they have to do is accept that negotiations, not armed attacks, is the way to go and agree to sit down at the negotiating table. The world community (not just Israel), is in their right to refuse to give money to any elected body that promotes suicide bombings and indiscriminate attacks against unarmed civilians with anti-personnel weapons. Looking forward to seeing your election campaign after you move to the PA from Aussie.
17. Jeff, seriously, can you read?
Ray Hanania ,   Chicago, IL USA   (12.26.06)
Seriously. Can't you read? I love the way you pick through what you want and ignore the rest. Typical extremist. Blame everyone else except your onw side. Sorry, doesn't work that way. Both sides are at fault and both sides have to own up to their responsibilities. That doesn't happen though. But I do love it when hate takes both sides here. In the middle are those brave enough to espouse reason. And Nansi, thanks. I know you live under an oppressive occupation. But ever think hamas is your salvation. All Hamas has done is bring us more hell. We Palestinians love to blame everyone else for our problems. And while Israelis must share in the blame, we Palestinians are just as responsible for the tragedy we face today. We helped make it happen. Ray Hanania www.hanania.com
18. Re #17, re Jeff's reflections on Ray
Steve ,   USA   (12.26.06)
B"H I'll go ahead and go line by line through Jeff's statement, quoting and inserting my comments with ">>" at the beginning of my response paragraph. To quote and respond: You stated that Sharon provoked violence. >>Ray wrote, "His partner, Ariel Sharon, was even more effective. While Netanyahu played the diplomat, Sharon pushed the Palestinian “red alert” button by visiting the al-Haram al-Ash Sharif (Temple Mount) and provoking a new conflict quickly exploited by extremists on both sides." That claim seems substantiated by what Ray wrote. You stated that Netanyahu vowed to destroy the peace accords. >>Ray wrote, "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy the Oslo Peace Accords." Jeff's writing is substantiated a second time. You blamed Israel for allowing Hamas to participate in elections. >>That is called a summary sentence to the first three items you wrote. The blame is laid on Israel. You would have blamed Israel for sticking its nose in Palestinian elections if Israel did NOT allow Hamas. >>Ray wrote, "Hamas has never been a part of the government. Not because they were prevented from joining the PLO or the PNA when it was founded under the provisions of the Oslo Peace Accords. They could have participated in the Palestinian government. But they chose to act outside of government authority, making every act of violence a criminal act." Ray's statement is that Hamas's role was "never one of the government" even though it was elected. Those three statements quoted by Jeff have direct support quoting what Ray wrote that Ray is blaming Israel. >>This is not Jeff's hate Ray. It is simply Jeff's analysis on what you wrote. Come on Ray, place some responsibility on the Palestinian people for voting in Hamas and helping them terrorize Israel, helping their terrorists escape knowing that Israel does not fire on civilians, etc. >>This paragraph is not hateful as far as I can tell Ray. But let's break it down part by part for you. >>Part #1: Jeff wrote, "Come on Ray, place some responsibility on the Palestinian people for voting in Hamas and helping them terrorize Israel," If you are aiming for a democracy Ray, there are going to be some that are accountable for the vote made. The people voted for Hamas, knowing its official policies. Those policies include the overthrow of the Israeli government and not recognizing that government as well as missile launches at Israeli cities. Nonetheless the choice was restricted. There is some but not total responsibility on this front. But if these are not responsible, who is able to fix the situation? >>Part #2: Jeff wrote, "Hold the Palestinian general population responsible for their problems, and for Israel's, for once." Ray, I can see where you might think this is hateful, because it is demanding responsibility from those you might consider "helpless". But think about it for a bit in depth. If Hamas's policy is to fire missiles at Israel and attack Sderot civilians, and the civilian population consistently votes in Hamas, how is a solution going to come about so long as the general population continues on its course of electing a militia that is in active war with Israel? How is a solution going to come forward of peace when the democratic outcome is always a vote for war? This is not hateful, Ray. It is a core problem preventing resolution of the conflict, that the electorate be it because of limited choice or whatnot is always voting in an organization committed to war with Israel. >>Part #3: Jeff wrote, "helping their terrorists escape". I think what is referenced is the demands for prison releases. These prisoner releases are demanding that those who were caught attacking Israeli citizens so that a significant portion can murder more Israeli citizens. These demands though are not uniquely Hamas's, but even so are Hamas's demands also.
19. Re #17, part 2
Steve ,   USA   (12.26.06)
B"H >>Part 4: "Israel does not fire on civilians, etc.". It is not Israel's policy in Gaza to indiscriminately fire on civilians. That is why in this recent "cease-fire", Israel has ceased to fire. It is a Hamas policy to fire on civilians as is seen when the missiles on a daily basis arrive on Sderot. The policy can be verified in the Hamas charter, Ray. This last part is a current statement of policy, where Israel is achieving to make strides. It is not hateful. It is stating the facts on the ground and on the paper. In summary, Ray, I am not seeing Jeff as an extremist. He is just analyzing what you wrote, what Hamas policy is, an rephrasing it succintly. I think your characterization of Jeff as an extremist is not fair and needs some rethinking. You might see if you could get someone to review your writing before you publish it to get different perspectives on how it might be received before it goes out the door to prevent further surprises from readers like Jeff who as far as I can tell are simply reflecting on what you wrote and not going beyond that by many strides.
20. when we blame,
Michael ,   Seattle, Wa   (12.26.06)
the blame never ends. Both parties get the honour of carrying the burden for the rest of their lives, assuming they have a conscience. If you choose not to blame, all are freed, as truth frees all of us. The people of Palestine need honest and caring leadership. Leadership based upon nurturing and open communication. Leadership that, not only they, but also the world, can be proud of. Some not-so-bad verbage, Ray. Peace is every step.
21. Ah, but Steve & Jeff not being honest
Ray Hanania ,   Chicago, IL, USA   (12.26.06)
Steve and Jeff make is sound like I only blame Israel. I single out Netanyahu and Sharon and I guess to Steve and Jeff, Netanyahu and Sharon ARE Israel. I don't agree. In fact, where Jeff and Steve complain I place all the blame on Israel, I don't. I praise Rabin, I criticize Hamas and I do blame Palestinians for sharing in creating the problem. But Steve and Jeff are typical knee-jerk Israel defenders. They love to blame Palestinians for everything, close their eyes to moderation, and pretend being a diehard Israel defender no matter what is moderation. It's not. Sorry guys. But, you prove my point over and over again by your one-sided comments that only see what you want to see, only criticize the "other," and NEVER admit doing anything yourselves. Try looking in a mirror if you want to see why we have a conflict. It's self-evident. Thanks for trying, though Ray Hanania www.hanania.com
22. Agree with Lydia - Hamas was elected
Dana ,   Israel   (12.26.06)
by palestinian people and they must live with it. But, unfortunately, Hanya never keeps his promises ( but the promiss to attack Israel , of cource)
23. Re #21: Some praise for Rabin
Steve ,   USA   (12.27.06)
B"H Ray, let me see what you wrote about Rabin. In your talkback you state, "I praise Rabin." I searched in your article for the word Rabin, and I found 2 instances which I quote below. Your "praise" of Rabin seemed to amount to: 1. "Yitzhak Rabin was murdered by an Israeli extremist " 2. "Rabin’s death created a vacuum filled by Israeli extremists." That would not qualify as "praise" to me. But I guess you have a different read on that. If you can actually reference your article when you talk about "praise", that would be helpful for us who have a hard time reading what you actually wrote with the same insight that you bring forward in your talkback. Quote: After the partners of the two-state solution died – Yitzhak Rabin was murdered by an Israeli extremist while Yasir Arafat died, undermined by Hamas – the extremists went to work. Rabin’s death created a vacuum filled by Israeli extremists. Arafat’s death did the same. Both resulted in chaos that allowed extremists to take control by provoking violence.
24. Hey Ray: Arafat built the biggest terror network of al time
Daniel ,   Formerly Israel   (12.27.06)
How can you use Arafat an peace in the same phrase with a straight face? Arafat was the head of the largest terrorist network that this world has ever seen. In its hayday in the late 70s and early 80s it stretched from Tunis to Beirut and erved as the Soviet Union's stratigic ally in the Middle East. during the 1990s and the first years of the new milenium Arafa tused the remenants of that network to launch a massive terror campaign that claimed hunderds and hunred of lives, and he used money ment to feedhis people to do it. The fact that Arafat was secular an that he was smart enugh to talk peace with his mouth whie killing with his hands (a tactic also used succesfuly by such distinguished personages as Stalin, Hitler, and Nasser) changes nothing.
25. Steve and Ray responses
Jeff ,   Philadelphia, USA   (12.27.06)
Steve, thank you for the more thoroughly thought through clarifications. I agree with what you wrote. My comment about helping terrorists escape also referred to events in which Palestinian civilians encircle buildings where the IDF has surrounded terrorists, and taking advantage of Israel's policy not to fire on civilians, help them escape. I have full faith in Israel's high ethics, and when terrorists fire from civilian areas, or hide there, then they have created a war zone there, and the people help them to do so. Then they blame Israel if they are fired on, but usually Israel shows restraint. Ray, I am not an extremist, and I believe the only practical solution is going to be a two state solution. I believe that Israel needs either to grant full rights to those in the WB and Gaza, or to pull out so they can govern themselves. Since Israel intends to retain its Jewish identity, it won't do the former. Therefore, it will have to pull out. I don't see this happening when every time Israel pulls out, Israel gets attacked (Lebanon, Gaza). And then Israel gets blamed. Sharon's visit didn't spark violence. Many writers stated that Arafat did, and it was planned prior to Sharon's visit, blaming the visit. Whether this is true or not, a visit should spark non-voilent protests, not violence. This is why I don't agree that Sharon sparked violence. A culture of violence sparked violence. Not a visit. Israel elected a government based on a two state solution, and Palestinians elected Hamas, based on wiping out Israel. I praise Ray for writing for Hamas to not participate in government. But Hamas is in government. What is Israel supposed to do? I'm afraid, however, that if and when Israel should pull out of the West Bank, even if under a final peace accord, Israel will get rockets on a daily basis, as it does now, and will also get more suicide bombers. Ray, when you say I am not honest, I assume you mean I am not being balanced. I hope you see this response as balanced. And yes, I can read. Jeff
26. It's not often that I agree with this guy...
Edan ,   Israel   (12.27.06)
but most of what is written here sounds right to me....EXCEPT for the fact that it is wrong to blame the intifada on Sharon. This is pure narrowness. What ?, because he wanted to take a stroll on the site of the ancient temple mount? Why do only muslims get the exclusive rights to it? And Arafat. Arafat was NEVER a "partner of the two-state solution". He was just as bad as Haniyeh and company...Only he was sly about it. Hamas should step down but they wont. The only thing left to do is to take them out. One by one.
27. to ray
nansi ,   jerusalewm   (12.28.06)
i want to tell one thing only .. that to reelect fath again will not be the salvation to the conflect ,may it will give milk to my child .. but then .. it is like oslo to arafat he wanted to be in palastine only .. and then ... as the disengagment from gaza .. sharon wanted to tell [take care of yourselfe in this prison ] ... and then ... .i know only god know the best to palastinians //and to israili also ... lastly i want to tell in araby [[illi bejareb elmujarrab // bekon 3kluh mukharrab ]]]
28. out with the OLD
termite   (12.28.06)
and in with the NEW. more spring lambs and less old goats. what hangs by a thread today will swing by a rope tomorrow.
29. THANK YOU, RAY
NL ,   Israel   (12.30.06)
A great part of my frustration thus far with the peace process has been a stalwart and continous Palestinian defense of Hamas as a good leader of choice and a belief that Hamas will lead to a Palestinian solution. I believe that peace will come when there are two states who accept one another, not ONE state at the expense of another. Therefore, supporting Hamas is antithetical to a peaceful solution. Hamas, by its very essence, rejects cooperation. It has been very frustrating to see groups like Meretz and various grassroots organizations on the Israeli side (trying to promote compromise, trying to see things from the other side), and feel as if there was no reciprocity coming from the Palestinian side, no call by ordinary Palestinians against the extremist, no-compromise policies of Hamas. So THANK YOU, Ray. Your article just gave me a big jolt of hope.
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