For Hamas, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

"Israeli Soldier and Palestinian Are Killed at Gaza Border"
A8, Wednesday 1/28/09
By Ethan Bronner

On a positive note, Bronner reports that “Hamas seemed eager to play down what had happened, saying it was not clear who was responsible for the explosive device, which had been planted inside Israel, apparently under cover of fog in the early morning, set off by remote control when an Israeli military vehicle was nearby.”

Such a detailed description of Palestinian attacks, as opposed to Israeli operations, are rarely offered.

Bronner then continues that “Israeli officials interpreted the attack as an ominous sign that Hamas was testing them after the recent three-week war.” He reports Israel’s response as bombing smuggling tunnels from Egypt and closing the Gaza crossings.

Aside from this solid reporting, Bronner falls into old Times traps.

He claims 1,300 Palestinians were killed in the recent Gaza operation, citing Gaza “medical officials,” without stating that the Gazan Health Ministry is run by Hamas. If these medical officials were from elsewhere, he should’ve stated that.

In the next sentence, Bronner writes that “the cease-fire is contingent on a full border opening, Mr. Youself [political advisor to Ismail Haniya] said.” Of course, that’s Hamas’ rendering, but Bronner should have added that there is no agreed ceasefire, Yousef is only referring to Hamas’ own policy and that Israel only agreed to humanitarian aid until Gilad Shalit is released and the most obvious point, that borders will not be opened fully following attacks against Israel.

Bronner must’ve spent a good deal of time with Yousef, since he cites him on a number of issues, including his being pleased about Obama’s election, his respect for George Mitchell and his disappointment that he has foregone talks with Hamas, especially since Obama wants to engage with Iran.

Of the quartet’s three conditions placed on Hamas – respect previous agreements, renounce violence and recognize Israel, “Mr. Yousef said the first two could well be fulfilled through an extended cease-fire that Hamas hoped to negotiate with Israel via Egypt. He said Hamas was not prepared to recognize Israel but hoped that with two of three demands met, attitudes toward Hamas might shift.”

With reporting like this, they likely will.