Israel would consider lifting the embargo - the topic of today's article - if Hamas recognized Israel as a Jewish state. Really, the matter is that simple.
When viewed independent of this context, of course, Israel appears stubborn. "Just open the border-crossing. What's the big deal?" many, including NYT, seem to say. Submit to this basic, "Hamas demand," which has a clear humanitarian thrust, as the lives of the people of Gaza will improve.
Without acknowledging the context surrounding the border-crossing issue - Hamas' rejection of Israel's legitimacy - one cannot understand the Israeli rationale, which is sound. The outcome of a closed border is, of course, unfortunate for Gazans, but if they would insist upon Hamas' recognition of Israel, or if they would even vote out Hamas, then their lives would be considerably better.
Taking into account the fact that "nearly all of Gaza's imports come through Israel," as Tavernise reports, Gazans' rejection of Israel's right to exist is irrational. To move forward, the international community must pressure Gazans to overcome their irrationality and embrace reality.
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Is it really about recognizing Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state? The PA doesn't do that.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's best to make Israel's concern about opening the border to be just a political one -- i.e. not recognizing Israel. It is about this lack of recognition, but only manifested in Hamas' commitment to armed struggle against Israel, and thus a threat to its security.