So much for the idea that a new year marks a new beginning. Days into 2009, the world has witnessed another bloody attack by Israel on the Gaza Strip, an assault triggered by senseless provocations by Hamas. The death toll is in the hundreds and has only worsened the desperation felt by most Palestinians living in Gaza. And for what? There is no indication that either Israel or the Hamas leadership has a strategy that extends beyond punishing the other. Worse, each side is using its opponent as a domestic political foil.
Thus far, more than 430 Palestinians have been killed and about 2,200 others wounded since Israel launched its offensive on Dec. 27. At least three Israeli civilians and a soldier have been killed during that period. The attacks were a response to Hamas' decision to end a six-month ceasefire on Dec. 19 and launch rockets into Israel. During that time, Hamas built up and improved its arsenal of weapons; its mortars and rockets, allegedly supplied by Iran, are now capable of reaching territory that is inhabited by more than 700,000 Israelis.
Why did Hamas' decide to escalate its confrontation with Israel? Most likely because it felt that the ceasefire was not working to its advantage. No Palestinian prisoners have been returned; the blockade on Gaza imposed by Israel in the wake of Hamas' takeover of the territory 18 months ago has not loosened. And, as the governing authority in Gaza, the hardships were taking a toll on Hamas' reputation — which was Israel's intention.