As has become the norm, Hamas terrorists seem to dictate the rules of play for Israel and perhaps, the international community. There are a growing number of people who share the sentiments of Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, that Israel�s decision not to finish the job during the Gaza War not only did not accomplish anything, but the Gaza-based Hamas regime emerged from the warfare with a new air of legitimacy in the international diplomatic community, the underdog if you will � working in tandem with the international media community which by and large is all but too happy to take a staunch anti-Israel position.

Israel, once perceived as the only democracy in the Middle East, the nation that was built on the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel has permitted itself to become the oppressors of the Palestinians, the nation whose army strikes out indiscriminately, targeting innocent children in Gaza without regard for the lives of civilians � a nation whose senior military officers may no longer travel freely, fearing international arrest warrants and charges of �war crimes� and �crimes against humanity�.

Egyptian media reports that Hamas will be willing to abide by a ceasefire beginning on Thursday. In the meantime, rockets continue to attack civilian population centers in southern Israel. Israel seeks a long-lasting ceasefire and Hamas is unwilling to accept such an offer.

It is also obvious that Israel will either capitulate regarding its demands that Gilad Shalit be released before the Gaza crossings are reopened, and equally as obvious that Hamas will continue firing rockets and reject any such demand, having stated repeatedly that Shalit�s release will not be tied to any ceasefire agreement at this time.

Hamas continues to enjoy the support of Iran, with a senior delegation traveling to Tehran on Sunday. Damascus-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshal met with the terror nation�s highest religious leader, Sheikh Ali Humeini, who blessed and congratulated Hamas on its recent victory against Israel.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)