The Truce That Lays the Golden Eggs
When Hamass declares a ceasefire, it pays to hire a good translator.
A dozen small Palestinian factions agreed in principle to a cease-fire with Israel on Wednesday, said two Palestinian officials involved in the negotiations in Cairo, confirming the previous day’s report in the Jerusalem Post. However, the officials expressed reservations about the details of the Egyptian-brokered deal.
Twelve groups, including Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, endorsed the idea of a cease-fire after a series of meetings with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman. Egypt has been working to broker a cease-fire agreement that includes a six-month truce between Israel and the Gaza Strip, an exchange of prisoners and the opening of Gaza’s border crossing.
Following is an interview with Hamas leader Khaled Mash’al, which aired on Al-Jazeera TV on April 25, 2008:
“People should not assume that in the management of this conflict, we are moving from a phase of resistance and battles to a phase of calm. No. According to our concept of the management of this conflict, the tahdiah is a tactical means. It is a step within the resistance and is not detached from it.
“It is only natural for any resistance movement, which cares about the interests of its people, to bear in mind the general Palestinian condition. At times, it generates an escalation, and at times, it withdraws a little. It is a process of ebb and flow, going up and down. This is how you run a battle. Hamas is renowned for this.
“In 2003, we began a tahdiah, and later renewed the operations. The same thing happened following 2005. Hamas conducted resistance from within the government, as well as when it was not in the government. This is a method of conflict management.
“Hamass is renowned for this.” Terrorists can’t help boasting about their aspirations and accomplishments. You don’t need me or Aunt Agatha to interpret for you.
Though Jimmy Carter could stand to listen and learn from us.