[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

fyi

[rogue yam]

This makes no sense. A cease-fire deal that doesn't involve Hamas? That is almost as incomprehensible as one that does involve Hamas.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Related...at the BBC:

Bowen diary: Is this the end?

**********************EXCERPT********************

BBC Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen is writing a diary of the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

17 January

Is this going to be the war's last day? The Israelis are saying that it might be. At the end of the Jewish Sabbath, after the sun goes down tonight, Israel's security cabinet is going to meet.

The prime minister's spokesman, Mark Regev, told me late last night that they had what they needed for a ceasefire.

He expects the proposal to be put to a vote, and he expects it to pass.

What does Israel think it has? First of all the deal with the Americans about a joint effort to stop arms smuggling into Gaza to rearm Hamas.

The memorandum of understanding is most important as a political symbol.

It allows Israel to say that one of its main ceasefire demands has been satisfied. Add that to the army's conviction that it has done serious harm to Hamas, and they can tell themselves they have a convincing basis on which to declare victory.

Israel doesn't want to bestow any legitimacy on Hamas by making an agreement with it. But to me that smacks of spin control. The reality is that Hamas is part of the Palestinian landscape. It has played a full part in the ceasefire talks that have been mediated by Egypt.

Cairo has passed on the views of Hamas to Israel. When this is over, and when Israeli troops pull out, Hamas will still be in charge in the Gaza Strip.

[Las Vegas Ron]

No, no, no, demand surrender!

[lilylangtree]

The main question is like when Israel when into Lebanon: Did Israel get the job done?

[lodi90]

This is all so predictable and choreographed. Everyone knows Israel has to declare victory and retreat before the 0bama coronation. There is just 0% chance of Israel bombing gaza while Barry Lincoln is getting the keys to the Honky House on tuesday.

[Eternal_Bear]

what’s the point of a cease fire if the other side won’t go along? Makes no sense.

[goldstategop]

Israel ceases, Hamas fires. The cowardice and deafeatism of Israel's leaders have produced a new hudna. They never intended to win. Israel lost another a war, folks - bottom line.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus