Den Willen für ihre Selbstständigkeit kann man den Palästinenser:innen nicht wegbomben
Israel beruft zigtausende Reservist:innen ein, um wieder gegen die Hamas vorzugehen. Aber der Krieg muss jetzt aufhören, schreibt der Economist:
Israel has already smashed Hamas’s leadership, its rocket arsenal and its ability to mount complex attacks. What remains is a ragtag guerrilla force, which Israel will struggle to destroy because fresh recruits are plentiful. Given that rump Hamas cannot muster much firepower, it may not be worth destroying.
The new plan will bring further agony for Gazans. More than 2,000 have died since Israel resumed fighting in March, bringing the cumulative toll to a grim 52,000. Civilians are going hungry because of the blockade. Israel’s scheme for supplying aid will offer scant relief. It makes no provision for people who are sick or unable to trek to a distribution centre.
The only people who benefit from continuing the war are Mr Netanyahu, who keeps his coalition intact, and his far-right allies, who dream of emptying Gaza and rebuilding Jewish settlements there. If they were to get their way, 2m people would be crammed into 25% of Gaza’s territory with subsistence rations. Some ministers already gloat that such conditions would drive Gazans into exile. That would count as ethnic cleansing.
Food should not be used as a weapon. Israel must allow aid into Gaza and let charities distribute it. Some will be stolen by Hamas, which cares little for the plight of Gazans. That is bad, but the alternative would be starvation. Beyond that, it is past time for a lasting ceasefire. Donald Trump should demand that Mr Netanyahu agrees to one, in exchange for the release of all hostages. No other leader can compel him. The president is eager for a foreign-policy win. When he visits the Gulf next week, Arab leaders should urge him to pursue this one.