July 23, 2006

Hamas Suing for Peace?

From Ha'aretz via Captain Ed:

Senior Fatah sources in Gaza said on Saturday Hamas is ready to accept a deal that involves freeing abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, a joint cease-fire and an end to IDF actions in the Gaza Strip.

What is not clear is whether Khaled Meshal, the Hamas leader in Damascus, will sanction the Egyptian-brokered deal.

Captain Ed's comments:
This represents a major concession from Hamas and an acceptance of the Israeli refusal to release prisoners in exchange for hostages. Olmert's military incursion and refusals to negotiate have finally made it clear that Israel has changed its policy in that regard.

It also appears to open a split between worldwide Hamas leadership based in Damascus and Hamas in the territories. Khaled Mashaal wanted no negotiation on the demands set at the beginning by his people; he wanted a lopsided prisoner swap to undermine Olmert. Instead, Olmert called his bluff, and Mashaal's the one who may lose a substantial amount of influence as a result.

With all the excitement going on up north, I have to admit I haven't been playing close attention to Gaza. If Capt. Ed is right, this would be one more example (of many) of a calculated show of strength paying off. Perhaps that'd shut the squishy "Peace through Begging" leftists up for at least a few days, but I doubt it.

By Ragnar Danneskjold, Typical Bitter Gun-Clinger at 06:35 PM | |