Hamas Sets Steep Terms for Cease-Fire: An End to the Blockade?
(TheBlaze/AP) — Gaza’s Hamas rulers are aiming high in the conditions they place on stopping rocket fire into Israel in indirect cease-fire talks launched this weekend. Emboldened by Arab support and confident in their arsenal, the Islamists say calm can only come if Israel opens the gates of the tiny, closed-off territory.
The question is how far Hamas will go to reach that long-sought goal, which Israel opposes out of fear of an influx of weapons to Gaza militants.
For now, public opinion in Gaza appears to support continued rocket attacks on Israel. However, Israeli aircraft have already struck hundreds of Hamas-linked targets in Gaza and Israel is threatening to escalate its military offensive. On Sunday, a new tactic of bombing the homes of Hamas operatives reportedly claimed the lives of at least nine children.

Palestinian protesters hurl stones at an Israeli army tower at the main entrance of the West Bank city of Bethlehem as they protest against the ongoing Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip on November 18, 2012. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
The indirect contacts between Israel and Hamas began Sunday, the fifth day of Israel’s targeted bombing campaign meant to halt more than a decade of intermittent Gaza rocket attacks on Israel.
An Israeli envoy was whisked from the tarmac at Cairo’s international airport to talks with senior Egyptian security officials. The top Hamas leader in exile Khaled Mashaal held talks with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, who also spoke by phone with the Hamas prime minister in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh.
Hamas’ demands, as presented by Mashaal, include open borders for Gaza and international guarantees that Israel will halt all attacks on Gaza, including targeted killings of the movement’s leaders. The assassination of Hamas’ military chief last week after days of smaller exchanges between the two sides marked the start of the Israeli offensive, the most intense since a three-week-long war four years ago.

In this image provided by the Egyptian President, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, left, meets with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (Photo: AP)
The Islamists view the current round of fighting as an opportunity to pry open the borders of Gaza, which slammed shut in 2007, after Hamas wrested control of the territory from its political rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In response to the takeover, Israel and Egypt – then under Morsi’s pro-Western predecessor Hosni Mubarak – sealed off Gaza to disrupt Hamas rule.
“We will not accept a cease-fire until the occupation (Israel) meets our conditions,” said Izzat Rishaq, a senior Hamas official who is involved in the cease-fire efforts in Cairo.
Free movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza is seen as vital for Hamas’ continued control of Gaza.
Both Israel and Egypt’s new leader have eased access to the territory since 2007, but many restrictions remain. But even Morsi – who is sympathetic to Hamas as a fellow member of the region-wide Muslim Brotherhood – has resisted Hamas calls for open trade between Gaza and Egypt. Morsi fears such ties could undercut attempts to set up a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, the Associated Press reports.
Open Gaza borders, including an end to Israel’s naval blockade of the territory, would also heighten Israel’s concerns about weapons smuggling into Gaza. After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 and relinquished control of the territory’s border with Egypt, militants dramatically stepped up the import of weapons through smuggling tunnels.

An Israeli missile is launched from the Iron Dome defense missile system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells, in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod in response to a rocket launched from the nearby Palestinian Gaza Strip on November 18, 2012. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
Israel now fears that Hamas would exploit unfettered access to Gaza to further boost its arsenal of missiles and other strategic weapons from Iran and stockpiles plundered after the fall of the Libyan regime last year. Israel estimates that Hamas already has some 12,000 rockets, including some Hamas claims are being produced by a local arms industry.
Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev would not say Sunday whether Israel seeks a demilitarized Gaza as part of a broader cease-fire package, but said any deal must guarantee an end to rocket fire for good.
“We don’t want a … quick fix and in two weeks or two months we have another round,” he said. “`The people of southern Israel have the right to live normal lives, not in fear of incoming missiles.”
Israeli military spokeswoman Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich said Israel’s offensive is meant to “cripple the capabilities” of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Leibovich said Israel’s air force has specified hundreds more targets for attack, adding that “we are really determined to reach the goal of the operation.”

In this handout image supplied by the Israeli Governmant Press Office (GPO), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a meeting of the National economy emergency committee Nov. 18, 2012. (Photo: Getty Images)
However, Israeli leaders face diplomatic restraints as they consider the next military move, including a possible ground invasion. President Barack Obama and British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Sunday cautioned against an escalation in Gaza, including sending in ground troops, even as they asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket fire.
A Gaza invasion or dramatic escalation of the air campaign could further strain Israel’s ties with Egypt, a regional powerhouse and Israel’s main conduit to the Arab world. Israeli Vice Premier Moshe Yaalon said Sunday that Israel is keeping open channels with the Egypt, adding that “we hope the Egyptian regime will play a positive role.”
The Egyptian-led cease-fire efforts are taking place against a regional backdrop that is dramatically different from what it was four years ago, during Israel’s last major Gaza offensive.
At the time, Hamas was largely isolated. Now, following the Arab Spring uprisings, it has new regional friends, including fellow Muslim Brothers in power in Egypt and Tunisia, and increased support from Qatar and Turkey. On Sunday, Hamas’ Mashaal also met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is visiting Cairo.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki attends an emergency meeting of the Arab Foreign ministers in Cairo on November 17, 2012. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
Both Yaalon and Ahmed Yousef, a Gaza intellectual close to Hamas, suggested that the two sides will keep fighting to improve their positions in eventual truce talks.
Israel is trying to improve its leverage by striking Hamas hard, said Yaalon. “We have to deter them,” he said. “How? By charging them the heavy price right now where they’ll have to consider whether they’ll go on with their terrorist attacks …”
Yousef said Hamas is capable of firing rockets as long as Israel bombards Gaza, adding that militants “have enough missiles to fire.” Overall, Hamas is in a strong position to negotiate a truce deal, he said, citing the new diplomatic support and the group’s current popularity at home, in addition to the large arsenal.
The current round of fighting will eventually grind to a halt, but it’s unlikely the two sides will emerge with a durable cease-fire, said Israeli analyst Yossi Alpher.
“Both sides will have to come down from their lofty demands, and it will require some heavy pressure,” he said. “Certainly, it will end with some sort of cease-fire, but it won’t be kept because Hamas will be rearming and Israel will respond and things will get out of hand within a few months.”
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Bohn reported from Jerusalem. AP reported Ibrahim Barzak in Gaza City contributed to this report.
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Comments (77)
universalphilos
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 11:57pmA prophecy, January 9, 1981: “The Anti-Christ is upon your Earth, and those who shall prepare his way are here to implant hate, jealousy, and greed in your minds. Remember, God made all things upon the earth, the heavens, the seas. He gave man dominion, and He can take it away. For only the Lord, God, will not take from you your freedom of will to keep your souls or to cast them aside….
“Take stock into these things that are happening now around you. Violence begets violence. You wish to know the greatest danger, [it] comes from the Mid-East. Lybia, Pakistan, Palestine, the Palestinian movements, Iran, Iraq — all of these countries soon will be capable of delivering atomic weaponry. And their methods, as you have known before, have no — sacred for human life or other life. We say unto you, beware.”
[Note: Two or three heads have been removed now, Iraq, Libya, the Palestinian movement, Hamas. Is it as the heads of the Beast in the Revelation?]
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universalphilos
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:14amAnother prophecy, January 13, 1984: “…believing that when the war ends, that they may step in and make the world a better place to live in, according to themselves, would think nothing of taking the lives of millions. The first is those of the Palestinian, or βBlack Septemberβ β and these are not of just of one people, but they are made up of the Arabian block; Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, are but some among the pact. You shall find them ten nations in all.”
[See The Revelation, chapter 13, also.]
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johnpaulkuchtajr
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 6:25amI was always lousy at interpreting biblical passages.
Can these passages that you’ve quoted be correctly translated into modern English as:
“BiBi, just bulldoze that entire sector and push the litter into the sea.”
Or, as my old oilfield poker playing buddies would have challenged a bluff:
“Throw down, bubba, show me what you got!”
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TDrury
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:15pm1981? Really? Who made that prophecy?
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Trigus
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 1:14pmThis is the solution to all the problems in the middle east. Ask Israel to implement the Samson Option – this will answer all prophesies. Iran will stop saber rattling, Israel will not have to fear the 7 battalions including anti aircraft and tank positions, Tanks and light armor in the Sinai, nor worry about rockets being fired from Gaze, Syria, or the Sinai.
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Alisterbane
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 11:27pmthis isnt about hamas , this is bush,s fault lets get that right.
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marine249
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 11:52pmsomeone knows what he is talking about
tjhis is what b.o. and hill will be saying next.
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BrandiRae
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:31amSo-called “Palestinians” are simply Arabs from neighboring countries, who OCCUPIED the territory of ancient Israel after Israel was dispersed and ceased from being a nation.
Their former leader and founder of the PLO Yasser Arafat was an Egyptian, for Pete’s sake!!!
Palestinians take their name from the ancient Philistines, who were widely regarded as Israel’s worst enemies.
Following the Bar Kokhba revolt by the Jews in 135 A.D. and through 390 A.D., Roman Emperor Hadrian named THE ENTIRE PROVINCE of Judea, INCLUDING SYRIA AND LEBANON,Β ”Syria-Palestina”.
He did this in order to further annoy and humiliate the Jews who, from that time, were FORBIDDEN to enter or even VISIT Jerusalem, except on their anniversary of their both their temples’ destructions (Tisha B’Av).
So-called “Palestinians” COULD HAVE declared their independence, or “statehood” AT ANY TIME prior to 1947 and DIDN’T.
They CHOSE NOT TO.
The were happy to live as WHAT THEYΒ REALLY ARE,Β Arabs,Β SUBJECT TOΒ the Ottoman Empire.
When Britain defeated the Ottoman Turks in 1917 under the command of General Edmund Allenby, THESE ARABS (that we now call “Palestinians”) WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN there.
And when the League of Nations (presently known as the “United Nations”) offered statehood to Israel in 1947, statehood was also offered to the so-called “Palestinians”. While Israel promptly accepted,Β THEY DECLINED…
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BrandiRae
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 11:40amSo all the talk about a “two-state solution” is pure baloney.
They COULD HAVE declared themselves an independent state during all those centuries WHEN THEY OCCUPIED Israel’s former territory and DIDN’T.
They were even OFFERED statehood by the League of Nations and REFUSED.
The Bible is clear about their future:
When Israel is forced to flee into the wilderness during the 3Β½ year reign of Antichrist, Palestinians will THINK they’ll have its territories, including Jerusalem, all to themselves, but their gladness will be short-lived.
Jesus will return 42 months later and STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT INΒ the Middle East — ONCE AND FOR ALL.
According to Joel 3:1-8, when Jesus restores Judah and Jerusalem, He will judge the nations round about: He will judge Lebanon and, ESPECIALLY, the “Palestinians”.
He will judge them for selling the people of Judah and Jerusalem who try to escape, EVEN CHILDREN, to the Greeks who, led by the risen antichrist, will once again become Israel’s enemies.
Antichrist and his armies will be INSTANTLY defeated by the returning Christ. Jesus will re-gather all Israel, from all over the world into their land, which He gave them ASΒ ETERNAL POSSESSION (Genesis 15:18-21; 17:8), and will relocate so-called Palestinians to Saudi Arabia, where they will be assimilated into its population.
There won’t be any “Palestinians” during the Millennium. They’ll be called “Saudis”, or by their true name “Arabs”.
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Lord_Frostwind
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:54pmMy terms of negotiation: “HAMAS, one square mile of Gaza territory will be annexed from you for every rocket fired from the writing of this communique. Bombings will continue, make your next moves carefully.”
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longknifed
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:06pmIf you lived in a concentration camp, you would launch $50 rockets at your jailers too.
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John 1776
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:51pmNot sure how the MSM can compare the Israeli strikes which are targeted at minimizing civilian casualties, with the Hamas strikes which are targeted at maximizing civilian casualties.
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starman70
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 8:00amIt’s easy, the MSM tells lies and even believes their own lies. Furthermore, they expect us to believe their lies.
Demand in that Israel end the “Blockade” will do nothing more than allow Hamas to import heavier weapons with which to attack Israel. You can not expect the Useless Nations to police and enforce any import sanctions in Gaza. The Useless Nations hasn’t been able to do anything to stop any action of any kind anywhere in the world. The whole organization is just a collection of USELESS NATIONS, incessantly bloviating about problems while all the time working overtime to destroy America and our Constitutional Freedoms. The UN, with such crap as the Law of the Sea Treaty, the Small Arms Treaty and Agenda 21, all aimed at destroying our Consittutional rights, yet allowing terrorist groups Hamas to do whatever they please is a waste of time and money.
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freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:50pmUS not present for the negotiations? This current administration has no difficulties in toppling middle eastern dictators bemoaning freedom for all and Hillary Clinton reassuring Israel, Egypt will adhere to their treaty. So now is the time to remain silent, to Israel’s plight?
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:46pmWhy did Hamas not demand Israel’s surrender while they were at it?
I think that Israel is “considering” negotiations and using the time to further cripple Hamas.
Hamas (which is the Muslim Brotherhood) has assisted in their own demise by making ludicrous demands, making it easier for Israel to legitimately brush them aside. Israel knows that any agreement will be broken, and that the MB is only trying to play for time so that they can strengthen their position before attacking again.
Considering the forces and resources that the MB is gathering in their takeover of neighbouring nations, Israel knows that the time to press their advantage is now. It is clear that if they do not, they will soon be facing an organised and formidable foe, with Israel’s survival being in doubt.
Israel’s communications offensive in the social media adds, I think, credence to this position. This is classic SunTzu. They will not, and should not, let this advantage slip away.
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GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 12:13amI agree with you. But I also think the big picture is buying time for Iran. The Iranians and Egyptians are the new BFF after more than 30 years of being βdistantβ.
Morsi would love to have a war with Israel and take Jerusalem for his dreamed Caliphate, but he is running a poor country and, even though he is getting stronger as the new leader, he hasnβt consolidated his position 100% safely for such an ambitious endeavor.
I think they just waited for the outcome of the American elections, and then started this charade in order to buy some time for Iran. I believe they are trying to let Iran to have the mayor cost of an open war against Israel, while they wait patiently in the back seat for the left overs after the war. At this point, I think is clear for all the enemies of the nation of Israel that the only two countries able to sustain a decent war with her are Turkey and Iran.
On the other hand, we canβt forget that the three main nations of the Muslim world are: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran. They all hate Israel to the guts, but they also donβt want to be the servants of the other Muslim nations. They all want to rule, and they are going to stir the waters only for their own gain and purpose. And we must to consider the poor ruler wannabe also: Egypt.
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 4:26amAnd here we go…
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162236#.UKngCs2gN88
Kudos, Snow, you were right.
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 4:28amhttp://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=539396&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 5:28amThis is hilarious.
“China urges maximum restraint in Gaza by all parties, especially Israel.”
I’m taking advantage of the fact that most people are asleep, and popping stuff up as I find it. I hope nobody minds…
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 5:43amOK, I’d better stop now, but this is a news site that I have been keeping an eye on recently, and it has an up-to-the-minute blog on it.
For you guys that are interested:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/162235
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Rational Man
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:38pmHere is the terms.
Stop firing rockets into Israel, stop taking hostages, and stop shooting at Israeli’s,
and Israel will let you live and not bomb you out of existence.
Take it, or leave it!
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normbal
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:36pmOh hell no. Even WITH the blockage Hamas is getting that many rockets? Pound the terrorists to dust, Israel, or they’ll be doing it again next month.
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txn4justice
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:32pmHamas just asking for a whooping from the IDF.
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dealer@678
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:31pmDont accept a cease fire under ANY condition. Blow Hamas to smithereens. End this thing right now
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freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:28pmGive an inch and then a mile is taken. Extortion is rotten.
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Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:51pmMy opinion exactly. These people are trained in the art of lying, it’s in their religion and in their blood.
You never trust people that don’t have respect for life. They will NEVER want to be equal, they want to be more than equal.
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antrancher
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:23pmComing to a city near you!
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rsvrdg3179
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:22pmI for one do not think Hamas should have ANY say as to the rules of the treaty, since they were the ones who are the aggressor. That would have been like negotiating with Hitler and saying “If you end the war, we will let you keep France and Poland.”, and again, you cannot negotiate with terrorists because they have no honor and will not stick to it.
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oldguy49
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:29pmits perfectly ok and encouraged in the muslim relegion to lie to infidels………….yep thats israel and you and me
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:19pmEnd the blockade and arms will flow freely into Gaza.
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:58pmHi Snow
Perhaps you should have said “…more freely into Gaza than they do now”.
Still digging into the Iranian side of things (per our last conversation). I haven’t found much yet beyond some interesting pointers. I’ll let you know.
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PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 3:08amSnow: see this article sheds light on 0, Israel, Iran :
http://www.debka.com/article/22537/israel-will-strike-Gaza-so-long-as-Khamenei-nixes-talks-with-Obama
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nzkiwi
Posted on November 19, 2012 at 7:21amSnow,
Do you recall that, just before the election, Valerie Jarrat and crew got an agreement from Iran to stop uranium enrichment?
I translated an Iranian news site item at the time that said the Jarret team were asking them to stop for a few weeks to assist Mr Obama in the election. Further, if they agreed, Mr Obama would lift some financial sanctions that have been squeezing the Iranian economy. This was not mentioned in American media outlets, astoundingly.
Well, it seems that the few weeks are up. Iran is about to accelerate its enrichment program. Now we must look to Mr Obama to see if he will follow through on his side of the bargain and lift some sanctions.
I’m sure that we all find this duplicity quite shocking…
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Advection
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:19pmIsrael should demand Hamas’ immediate and unconditional surrender. If Hamas refuses, destroy the terrorist base named Gaza.
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randy
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:18pmTake Hamas out Israel!
These pigs could give a flying cr@p about the innocent women and children they slaughter when they strap bombs on their 10 year old suicide bombers.. so ya know what? I cold give a Shlt how many women and children you take out Israel. and if they place rocket launders near a school or hospital or mosques, who cares!
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LeadNotFollow
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:15pm.
Hamas is getting their butts kicked by the Israeli military, and they (Hamas) are setting the ground rules and the conditions for the cease fire.
I’m sure the Israeli people are laughing their butts off and rolling on the floor.
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Al J Zira
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:36pmI don’t think they’re laughing at all. The Israelis know the UN is a front for the terrorists and will put pressure on other countries to end the blockade. The media is already screaming foul against the Israelis, notice CNN’s coverage, and they’ve been successful in the past in getting their way using these same tactics.
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mercenary4freedom
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:48pmI was going to say the same LEADNOT, lmao. Reminds me of the ship loaded down with arms for the palestineans saying it was humanitarian aid & when IDF forces fastroped in to inspect the “humanitarian supplies”, they resisted & what was it 8-10 had to be killed in the skirmish trying to protect the hidden cache?
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The-Monk
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:13pmPlease end the block-aid so it will be easier for us to stock up on more weapons.
Signed: Hamas
Yeah right……
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rickroland
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:13pmRiiiiight. End the blockage so they can get even more and more powerful weapons into Gaza? Are they freakin’ nuts? Answer: They most certainly are.
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denkat56
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:10pmThe ha mass act like their winning. Besides they’ve never held to any treaties ever agreed to.
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BlackCrow
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:09pmTaking negotiation lessons from Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi? Only in this case prepare to get buried!
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rickc34
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:04pmThey will just stronger artillary if the blockade is removed “so hell to the no” it is a set up . In the next few months it will start all over again. Don’t do it you’ll be sorry.
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possom
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:03pmI prefer an end to gaza, get’em isreal!
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StCharles777
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:00pmto hell with hammas!
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banjarmon
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 9:58pmHamas and Palestinians are NOT Honorable people and will NEVER uphold a cease fire!!
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Advection
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:23pmCorrect. There isn’t anyone to negotiate with.
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Rational Man
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:42pmYour right and history proves it!
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