The Humanitarian Gaza Flotillas Saga

[Phoenall]

Nevermind.. I'll post it for you..

Hamas - 2006 Electoral Campaign Platform - Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - ProCon.org

1. Islam is our Reference.

2. Palestine is Arab and Muslim Land.

3. Palestinians are one nation regardless of location.

4. The Palestinian People are still in the process of National Liberation and have the right to use all means including armed struggle to achieve this goal.
5. The right of return to all Palestinians.

6. Adherence to the inalienable rights of the people.

7. Protect and cement National Unity as a priority.

8. The issue of prisoners and detainees tops the agenda ; on the internal policy level the C&R aims at achieving a great number of objectives - among them: Maintaining Palestinian fixed National Aims; Palestinian presence in Jerusalem; political freedom; dialogue as a means to solving internal differences; freedom of expression; assembling movement.

9. The platform of the C&R prohibits: Political detention; shedding Palestinian blood; protection of civil society; directing the security apparatus to safeguarding the security of the citizens.

Among other things the Platform calls for protecting the "Resistance" and enhancing its role to resist Occupation and achieve Liberation.


WEEELLLL .. So much for Palestinian unity or prohibiting "political detention, shedding Palestinian blood, or protection of civil society" ======= THAT -- was 2005. And in 2006, some assistant to the Prime Minister calls for peace and negotiations??????

I thought OUR foreign policy was schizophrenic.

Why did you omit these aspects of the platform?

"A number of measures, based on Islam are to be implemented. A new elections law is to be passed so as to ensure justice and fair representation of our people. All citizens are equal before the Law; arbitrary arrest is taboo. Dialogue should be encouraged and the respect of the other; point of view guaranteed for all; unions are to be independent and domination is unacceptable; political powers are recognized and their role is to be used for the sake of establishing of civil institutions; equal opportunities for all and the principle of the right man for the right job will be applied.

Out of our conviction of the vitality of building a well-rounded Palestinian individual, the C&R attaches great importance to education which will keep abreast of modern innovations. Islam of course will be the core of the Palestinian education philosophy - reforms are to be introduced to the current education system, the C&R details its policy in this regard in 17 items proposed to rehabilitate the system. C&R lists five measures to raise the efficiency of the clergy and regulate and care for mosques and emphasize their educational role.

The Palestinian family, as the nucleus of the Palestinian society, figures high in the C&R platform; 16 items detail the proposed suggestions that will strengthen the family and its role. Palestinian family Laws are to be derived from and conform to the Shari'ah law as far as the society is concerned; reconciliation committees should be activated in order to discharge their role as trouble-shooters.

Culture and media play a vital role in shaping the mentality and thought of citizens, and building up of the nation's personality. Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns. Official media should work for enhancing the people's steadfastness and resistance.

Women's rights will be guaranteed so that they can contribute to the building of society, socially, economically and politically. Women's organizations should be encouraged. The C&R enumerates the actions that they should take to raise the status of women. Youth care is among the aims to be achieved by the C&R - talents among the young are to be tapped and encouraged.

Public land should be taken care of so that they can be fully utilized to build villages and public housing to be distributed fairly and equally among those in need. Heath Care system is to be reformed and made available to all people, especially the needy. Health care centers will be built to serve all sections of the people wherever they live.

Public health and hygiene will also be taken care of. The environment is to be protected. Agriculture and animal husbandry will be encouraged. Small farms will get credits in order to effectively make use of the land. The use of insecticides should be regulated for full benefits.

On the economic level, the economy and monetary system should be independent from the Zionist entity and its economic and monetary system. The C&R will mint Palestinian currency; self-sufficiency is an ultimate objective to be worked for through a number of measures. International economic agreements will be reconsidered and revised so as to serve the interests of the Palestinian people, chief among them:

*The Paris Economic agreement.

*The Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

*Partnership Agreement with the EU.

*The Economic Agreement with Egypt and Jordan.

The Economic and trade relations with the Arab and Islamic world should be developed. The Palestinian economy should be helped to disengage itself from the dependency on Israeli economy. Income tax laws must be reconsidered and reformed. Labor and unions and occupational societies will be encouraged and developed; minimum wage limit should be established to guarantee a decent standard of living for all, wages and salaries should be linked to the index.

Roads must be updated and modernized; movement among cities and villages should be emphasized and smooth; opening of free crossings between Palestinian territory and Jordan and Egypt. Any foreign interference is rejected; the port and the airport are to be reopened."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

 

[RoccoR]

flacaltenn, Challenger, et al,

Yes, it is nothing to get excited over.

Keep Calm and Seek the Truth Challenger.. Turns out your Husni al Za'im was a left-over Ottoman military officer that led a bloodless coupe of Syria. Shortly thereafter --- he was deposed and executed. That's the problem with making deals with so-called Palestinian leadership. They tend to lead dangerous and short lives for the most part.

That agreement would have worth maybe a falafel sandwich without the drink... This guy was "president" for literally 7 months before his neck was stretched out. And more than likely was CIA backed.

(COMMENT)

You would be amazed at just how many Prominent Palestinians had served Ottoman Army were behind post-War insurrections and hostile activities. Even Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, (name sake for the HAMAS military Wing and the Rocket of the same name), the founder in 1930 of the Palestinian BlackHand had service in the Ottoman Army as an Officer and Chaplain.

And most of these former Ottoman Army retreads associated with the regional Mandates became failures in the transition from Senior Military Officers to Senior Political Leaders. Husni al-Za'im, a former Ottoman Army Officer, former French Army Officer, and formerly the Chief of Staff Syrian Army, only lasted seven months as President of the Republic.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[RoccoR]

Phoenall, Challenger, et al,

I don't think HAMAS was ever really interested in "nation building."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

(COMMENT)

Yes, I agree. I tend to think of HAMAS and the Gaza Strip as a failed leadership and government.

Most Respectfully,
R

 

[Phoenall]

Nevermind.. I'll post it for you..

Hamas - 2006 Electoral Campaign Platform - Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - ProCon.org

1. Islam is our Reference.

2. Palestine is Arab and Muslim Land.

3. Palestinians are one nation regardless of location.

4. The Palestinian People are still in the process of National Liberation and have the right to use all means including armed struggle to achieve this goal.
5. The right of return to all Palestinians.

6. Adherence to the inalienable rights of the people.

7. Protect and cement National Unity as a priority.

8. The issue of prisoners and detainees tops the agenda ; on the internal policy level the C&R aims at achieving a great number of objectives - among them: Maintaining Palestinian fixed National Aims; Palestinian presence in Jerusalem; political freedom; dialogue as a means to solving internal differences; freedom of expression; assembling movement.

9. The platform of the C&R prohibits: Political detention; shedding Palestinian blood; protection of civil society; directing the security apparatus to safeguarding the security of the citizens.

Among other things the Platform calls for protecting the "Resistance" and enhancing its role to resist Occupation and achieve Liberation.


WEEELLLL .. So much for Palestinian unity or prohibiting "political detention, shedding Palestinian blood, or protection of civil society" ======= THAT -- was 2005. And in 2006, some assistant to the Prime Minister calls for peace and negotiations??????

I thought OUR foreign policy was schizophrenic.

Why did you omit these aspects of the platform?

"A number of measures, based on Islam are to be implemented. A new elections law is to be passed so as to ensure justice and fair representation of our people. All citizens are equal before the Law; arbitrary arrest is taboo. Dialogue should be encouraged and the respect of the other; point of view guaranteed for all; unions are to be independent and domination is unacceptable; political powers are recognized and their role is to be used for the sake of establishing of civil institutions; equal opportunities for all and the principle of the right man for the right job will be applied.

Out of our conviction of the vitality of building a well-rounded Palestinian individual, the C&R attaches great importance to education which will keep abreast of modern innovations. Islam of course will be the core of the Palestinian education philosophy - reforms are to be introduced to the current education system, the C&R details its policy in this regard in 17 items proposed to rehabilitate the system. C&R lists five measures to raise the efficiency of the clergy and regulate and care for mosques and emphasize their educational role.

The Palestinian family, as the nucleus of the Palestinian society, figures high in the C&R platform; 16 items detail the proposed suggestions that will strengthen the family and its role. Palestinian family Laws are to be derived from and conform to the Shari'ah law as far as the society is concerned; reconciliation committees should be activated in order to discharge their role as trouble-shooters.

Culture and media play a vital role in shaping the mentality and thought of citizens, and building up of the nation's personality. Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns. Official media should work for enhancing the people's steadfastness and resistance.

Women's rights will be guaranteed so that they can contribute to the building of society, socially, economically and politically. Women's organizations should be encouraged. The C&R enumerates the actions that they should take to raise the status of women. Youth care is among the aims to be achieved by the C&R - talents among the young are to be tapped and encouraged.

Public land should be taken care of so that they can be fully utilized to build villages and public housing to be distributed fairly and equally among those in need. Heath Care system is to be reformed and made available to all people, especially the needy. Health care centers will be built to serve all sections of the people wherever they live.

Public health and hygiene will also be taken care of. The environment is to be protected. Agriculture and animal husbandry will be encouraged. Small farms will get credits in order to effectively make use of the land. The use of insecticides should be regulated for full benefits.

On the economic level, the economy and monetary system should be independent from the Zionist entity and its economic and monetary system. The C&R will mint Palestinian currency; self-sufficiency is an ultimate objective to be worked for through a number of measures. International economic agreements will be reconsidered and revised so as to serve the interests of the Palestinian people, chief among them:

*The Paris Economic agreement.

*The Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

*Partnership Agreement with the EU.

*The Economic Agreement with Egypt and Jordan.

The Economic and trade relations with the Arab and Islamic world should be developed. The Palestinian economy should be helped to disengage itself from the dependency on Israeli economy. Income tax laws must be reconsidered and reformed. Labor and unions and occupational societies will be encouraged and developed; minimum wage limit should be established to guarantee a decent standard of living for all, wages and salaries should be linked to the index.

Roads must be updated and modernized; movement among cities and villages should be emphasized and smooth; opening of free crossings between Palestinian territory and Jordan and Egypt. Any foreign interference is rejected; the port and the airport are to be reopened."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

 

[Challenger]

It was a proposal made by hamas for a one sided truce on their terms that stated that hamas could end the truce at any time with no warning given. They admitted this was so they could re-arm and re-equip the next generation of terrorists. They would be allowed to goad Israel into taking action that would also make the truce null and void. Of course the Israeli government refused to sign any such deal

Was this during the last Gaza incursion? During a time of open hostility? Or was this a serious strategic type of "truce" because Hamas was serious about governing.?

This is a ten year old offer.

A truce is referred to in Arabic as a “hudna.” Typically covering 10 years, a hudna is recognized in Islamic jurisprudence as a legitimate and binding contract. A hudna extends beyond the Western concept of a cease-fire and obliges the parties to use the period to seek a permanent, nonviolent resolution to their differences. The Koran finds great merit in such efforts at promoting understanding among different people. Whereas war dehumanizes the enemy and makes it easier to kill, a hudna affords the opportunity to humanize one’s opponents and understand their position with the goal of resolving the intertribal or international dispute.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/opinion/01yousef.html?_r=0

Yeah... That's comical.. Combine that with the Hamas Charter and the Hamas 2005 "Platform" and these quotes from the guy's boss..

We promise you that we will not cede a single part of Palestine, we will not cede Jerusalem, we will continue to fight and we will not lay down our arms.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

We repeat today that we are with the establishment of a Palestinian state on any liberated part of Palestinian land that is agreed upon by the Palestinian people, without recognizing Israel or conceding any inch of historical Palestine.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can't be created through decisions and initiatives. States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

You make Hudna with Diplomats and representatives of the people. Not guys like this...
Why don't you post that 2005 platform for Hamas AGAIN P.F.??? Just to remind yourself what a difference one year apparently makes in the "mood" of Hamas...

HAMAS has diplomats and are the legitimately elected government of Palestine, until the next elections, unlike Abbas whose term has long expired and who carries no legitimacy whatsoever and the Fatah faction who lost the last election. The British government ended up talking to the Provisional IRA and now we have peace. Churchill said "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war." Even the US State Department opened diplomatic links with Hamas when they were elected; that is until the Zionist Israel lobby and the Zionist Israeli governments blew their collective fuses and forced the US to declare HAMAS a terrorist organisation. Hamas wanted peace from the outset, Israel refused. after the 1948 war President Husni al-Za'im offered Ben-Gurion peace, full diplomatic recognition of the state of Zionist Israel and to absorb most of the Palestinian refugees in Syria as full citizens and to resettle them in the North of the country away from Israel's border, in exchange for a small parcel of some disputed land along the Syrian Israeli border which he could sell to his people as a "victory". Ben Gurion never bothered to reply and the Zionists have been refusing to negotiate in good faith ever since. The Zionists need war, need constant conflict in order to expand their state..."from the Euphrates to the sea."

No, they are not the elected government by a flux (4-30% depending on district of popular vote), fatah had the majority votes, they have elected representatives in parliament. They illegally took control of gaza. They don't represent the WB in their political or militarily ambitions. There has not been an election since 2006, because hamas will not permit one to take place.

Hamas does not represent the palestinians, it controls gaza by force.

However you try to spin it, under the agreed electoral process then in place Hamas won 74 seats against Fatah's 45 on a 76% voter turnout. The election was considered free and fair by international monitors and observers. Hamas got an average 42% of the vote against Fatah's 38%, the remaining 20% going to minor factions and independents. Fatah lost, they knew it and Zionist Israel couldn't stand it, neither could the West so they got Fatah to stage a coup which failed in Gaza but succeeded in the West Bank with Zionist Israeli support. Hamas was ready to stand for elections recently, but surprise, surprise, Abbas deferred them yet again.

Seems western style democracy only counts if it elects governments the West approves of.

 

[Challenger]

Keep Calm and Seek the Truth Challenger.. Turns out your Husni al Za'im was a left-over Ottoman military officer that led a bloodless coupe of Syria. Shortly thereafter --- he was deposed and executed. That's the problem with making deals with so-called Palestinian leadership. They tend to lead dangerous and short lives for the most part.

That agreement would have worth maybe a falafel sandwich without the drink... This guy was "president" for literally 7 months before his neck was stretched out. And more than likely was CIA backed.

I'm calm, always have been. Husni-al-Za'im was the President of Syria when he made the offer. The success of his coup was dependant on making a just peace with the Zionist state, when his attempt failed, his days were numbered, just like Sadat when he made peace after the 1973 war. Didn't make the offer any less genuine. Ben Gurion hung him out to dry. The Zionists have never wanted peace and don't want it now. "Greater Israel" is the goal, from the Euphrates to the sea.

 

[Challenger]

Phoenall, Challenger, et al,

I don't think HAMAS was ever really interested in "nation building."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

(COMMENT)

Yes, I agree. I tend to think of HAMAS and the Gaza Strip as a failed leadership and government.

Most Respectfully,
R

Think what you like, we'll never know because they were never given the chance to try; their leadership "failed" because it was systematically assassinated by Zionist Israel.

 

[ForeverYoung436]

Was this during the last Gaza incursion? During a time of open hostility? Or was this a serious strategic type of "truce" because Hamas was serious about governing.?

This is a ten year old offer.

A truce is referred to in Arabic as a “hudna.” Typically covering 10 years, a hudna is recognized in Islamic jurisprudence as a legitimate and binding contract. A hudna extends beyond the Western concept of a cease-fire and obliges the parties to use the period to seek a permanent, nonviolent resolution to their differences. The Koran finds great merit in such efforts at promoting understanding among different people. Whereas war dehumanizes the enemy and makes it easier to kill, a hudna affords the opportunity to humanize one’s opponents and understand their position with the goal of resolving the intertribal or international dispute.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/opinion/01yousef.html?_r=0

Yeah... That's comical.. Combine that with the Hamas Charter and the Hamas 2005 "Platform" and these quotes from the guy's boss..

We promise you that we will not cede a single part of Palestine, we will not cede Jerusalem, we will continue to fight and we will not lay down our arms.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

We repeat today that we are with the establishment of a Palestinian state on any liberated part of Palestinian land that is agreed upon by the Palestinian people, without recognizing Israel or conceding any inch of historical Palestine.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can't be created through decisions and initiatives. States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

You make Hudna with Diplomats and representatives of the people. Not guys like this...
Why don't you post that 2005 platform for Hamas AGAIN P.F.??? Just to remind yourself what a difference one year apparently makes in the "mood" of Hamas...

HAMAS has diplomats and are the legitimately elected government of Palestine, until the next elections, unlike Abbas whose term has long expired and who carries no legitimacy whatsoever and the Fatah faction who lost the last election. The British government ended up talking to the Provisional IRA and now we have peace. Churchill said "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war." Even the US State Department opened diplomatic links with Hamas when they were elected; that is until the Zionist Israel lobby and the Zionist Israeli governments blew their collective fuses and forced the US to declare HAMAS a terrorist organisation. Hamas wanted peace from the outset, Israel refused. after the 1948 war President Husni al-Za'im offered Ben-Gurion peace, full diplomatic recognition of the state of Zionist Israel and to absorb most of the Palestinian refugees in Syria as full citizens and to resettle them in the North of the country away from Israel's border, in exchange for a small parcel of some disputed land along the Syrian Israeli border which he could sell to his people as a "victory". Ben Gurion never bothered to reply and the Zionists have been refusing to negotiate in good faith ever since. The Zionists need war, need constant conflict in order to expand their state..."from the Euphrates to the sea."

No, they are not the elected government by a flux (4-30% depending on district of popular vote), fatah had the majority votes, they have elected representatives in parliament. They illegally took control of gaza. They don't represent the WB in their political or militarily ambitions. There has not been an election since 2006, because hamas will not permit one to take place.

Hamas does not represent the palestinians, it controls gaza by force.

However you try to spin it, under the agreed electoral process then in place Hamas won 74 seats against Fatah's 45 on a 76% voter turnout. The election was considered free and fair by international monitors and observers. Hamas got an average 42% of the vote against Fatah's 38%, the remaining 20% going to minor factions and independents. Fatah lost, they knew it and Zionist Israel couldn't stand it, neither could the West so they got Fatah to stage a coup which failed in Gaza but succeeded in the West Bank with Zionist Israeli support. Hamas was ready to stand for elections recently, but surprise, surprise, Abbas deferred them yet again.

Seems western style democracy only counts if it elects governments the West approves of.

Hamas should never have been allowed to run in the first place. It is a murderous organization. The Republican and Democratic parties in America aren't murderous. Can you imagine if the KKK would be allowed to run for elections?

 

[ForeverYoung436]

Phoenall, Challenger, et al,

I don't think HAMAS was ever really interested in "nation building."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

(COMMENT)

Yes, I agree. I tend to think of HAMAS and the Gaza Strip as a failed leadership and government.

Most Respectfully,
R

Think what you like, we'll never know because they were never given the chance to try; their leadership "failed" because it was systematically assassinated by Zionist Israel.

They had the chance to do nation-building in Gaza, but they didn't.

 

[flacaltenn]

Nevermind.. I'll post it for you..

Hamas - 2006 Electoral Campaign Platform - Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - ProCon.org

1. Islam is our Reference.

2. Palestine is Arab and Muslim Land.

3. Palestinians are one nation regardless of location.

4. The Palestinian People are still in the process of National Liberation and have the right to use all means including armed struggle to achieve this goal.
5. The right of return to all Palestinians.

6. Adherence to the inalienable rights of the people.

7. Protect and cement National Unity as a priority.

8. The issue of prisoners and detainees tops the agenda ; on the internal policy level the C&R aims at achieving a great number of objectives - among them: Maintaining Palestinian fixed National Aims; Palestinian presence in Jerusalem; political freedom; dialogue as a means to solving internal differences; freedom of expression; assembling movement.

9. The platform of the C&R prohibits: Political detention; shedding Palestinian blood; protection of civil society; directing the security apparatus to safeguarding the security of the citizens.

Among other things the Platform calls for protecting the "Resistance" and enhancing its role to resist Occupation and achieve Liberation.


WEEELLLL .. So much for Palestinian unity or prohibiting "political detention, shedding Palestinian blood, or protection of civil society" ======= THAT -- was 2005. And in 2006, some assistant to the Prime Minister calls for peace and negotiations??????

I thought OUR foreign policy was schizophrenic.

Why did you omit these aspects of the platform?

"A number of measures, based on Islam are to be implemented. A new elections law is to be passed so as to ensure justice and fair representation of our people. All citizens are equal before the Law; arbitrary arrest is taboo. Dialogue should be encouraged and the respect of the other; point of view guaranteed for all; unions are to be independent and domination is unacceptable; political powers are recognized and their role is to be used for the sake of establishing of civil institutions; equal opportunities for all and the principle of the right man for the right job will be applied.

Out of our conviction of the vitality of building a well-rounded Palestinian individual, the C&R attaches great importance to education which will keep abreast of modern innovations. Islam of course will be the core of the Palestinian education philosophy - reforms are to be introduced to the current education system, the C&R details its policy in this regard in 17 items proposed to rehabilitate the system. C&R lists five measures to raise the efficiency of the clergy and regulate and care for mosques and emphasize their educational role.

The Palestinian family, as the nucleus of the Palestinian society, figures high in the C&R platform; 16 items detail the proposed suggestions that will strengthen the family and its role. Palestinian family Laws are to be derived from and conform to the Shari'ah law as far as the society is concerned; reconciliation committees should be activated in order to discharge their role as trouble-shooters.

Culture and media play a vital role in shaping the mentality and thought of citizens, and building up of the nation's personality. Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns. Official media should work for enhancing the people's steadfastness and resistance.

Women's rights will be guaranteed so that they can contribute to the building of society, socially, economically and politically. Women's organizations should be encouraged. The C&R enumerates the actions that they should take to raise the status of women. Youth care is among the aims to be achieved by the C&R - talents among the young are to be tapped and encouraged.

Public land should be taken care of so that they can be fully utilized to build villages and public housing to be distributed fairly and equally among those in need. Heath Care system is to be reformed and made available to all people, especially the needy. Health care centers will be built to serve all sections of the people wherever they live.

Public health and hygiene will also be taken care of. The environment is to be protected. Agriculture and animal husbandry will be encouraged. Small farms will get credits in order to effectively make use of the land. The use of insecticides should be regulated for full benefits.

On the economic level, the economy and monetary system should be independent from the Zionist entity and its economic and monetary system. The C&R will mint Palestinian currency; self-sufficiency is an ultimate objective to be worked for through a number of measures. International economic agreements will be reconsidered and revised so as to serve the interests of the Palestinian people, chief among them:

*The Paris Economic agreement.

*The Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

*Partnership Agreement with the EU.

*The Economic Agreement with Egypt and Jordan.

The Economic and trade relations with the Arab and Islamic world should be developed. The Palestinian economy should be helped to disengage itself from the dependency on Israeli economy. Income tax laws must be reconsidered and reformed. Labor and unions and occupational societies will be encouraged and developed; minimum wage limit should be established to guarantee a decent standard of living for all, wages and salaries should be linked to the index.

Roads must be updated and modernized; movement among cities and villages should be emphasized and smooth; opening of free crossings between Palestinian territory and Jordan and Egypt. Any foreign interference is rejected; the port and the airport are to be reopened."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

Agreed -- a link would be spiffy.. We need MORE of this. Because the chuckles and guffaws are better than what's on the Comedy Channel right now.

My favorites are

--- Arbitrary arrest is taboo..

And

--- Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns.

Stop it -- you're killing me...

 

[flacaltenn]

Keep Calm and Seek the Truth Challenger.. Turns out your Husni al Za'im was a left-over Ottoman military officer that led a bloodless coupe of Syria. Shortly thereafter --- he was deposed and executed. That's the problem with making deals with so-called Palestinian leadership. They tend to lead dangerous and short lives for the most part.

That agreement would have worth maybe a falafel sandwich without the drink... This guy was "president" for literally 7 months before his neck was stretched out. And more than likely was CIA backed.

I'm calm, always have been. Husni-al-Za'im was the President of Syria when he made the offer. The success of his coup was dependant on making a just peace with the Zionist state, when his attempt failed, his days were numbered, just like Sadat when he made peace after the 1973 war. Didn't make the offer any less genuine. Ben Gurion hung him out to dry. The Zionists have never wanted peace and don't want it now. "Greater Israel" is the goal, from the Euphrates to the sea.

So your position is --- It's ISRAEL's fault that this guy only lasted 7 months???
That you would believe his seizure of power was ruined by only by his failure to cuddle up to
"the Zionist Entity".. This is entertaining.. For sure..

Ben Gurion could have been as reality challenged as our John Fraud Kerry and STILL realized that this guy was a "dead man walking" and NOT an opportunity for peace.

 

[P F Tinmore]

Phoenall, Challenger, et al,

I don't think HAMAS was ever really interested in "nation building."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

(COMMENT)

Yes, I agree. I tend to think of HAMAS and the Gaza Strip as a failed leadership and government.

Most Respectfully,
R

Think what you like, we'll never know because they were never given the chance to try; their leadership "failed" because it was systematically assassinated by Zionist Israel.

They had the chance to do nation-building in Gaza, but they didn't.

Hamas' agriculture minister, Muhammad al-Agha, has issued a ten-year plan designed to side-step the blockade by increasing local food production and agricultural self-sufficiency in Gaza.

Entitled The Plan for 2020, the document was vetted by 150 academics and researchers, according to the agriculture ministry, and looks to respond to the challenges imposed by Israel's blockade with local initiatives.

For example, Israel's ban on fertilisers has pushed Hamas to explore processing sewage, which has been pumped, often untreated, into the sea off Gaza since the failure of treatment facilities that are short of banned parts and supplies.

"When Israel started preventing the agricultural requirements, we moved to organic agriculture to address our needs.

"What we have done is [implement] model projects for the transformation of agricultural or domestic waste into organic fertilisers which we use then in agriculture," said al-Agha, who is also a professor of environmental science at the Islamic University in Gaza.

Thus far, some 1,000 dunams of land has been fertilised in this manner under the pilot project, according to the ministry.

"What we have tried to do is change the culture of our people gradually to organic agriculture, organic food and organic production," said al-Agha.

Going organic The siege on Gaza - Al Jazeera English

 

[Challenger]

This is a ten year old offer.

A truce is referred to in Arabic as a “hudna.” Typically covering 10 years, a hudna is recognized in Islamic jurisprudence as a legitimate and binding contract. A hudna extends beyond the Western concept of a cease-fire and obliges the parties to use the period to seek a permanent, nonviolent resolution to their differences. The Koran finds great merit in such efforts at promoting understanding among different people. Whereas war dehumanizes the enemy and makes it easier to kill, a hudna affords the opportunity to humanize one’s opponents and understand their position with the goal of resolving the intertribal or international dispute.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/opinion/01yousef.html?_r=0

Yeah... That's comical.. Combine that with the Hamas Charter and the Hamas 2005 "Platform" and these quotes from the guy's boss..

We promise you that we will not cede a single part of Palestine, we will not cede Jerusalem, we will continue to fight and we will not lay down our arms.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

We repeat today that we are with the establishment of a Palestinian state on any liberated part of Palestinian land that is agreed upon by the Palestinian people, without recognizing Israel or conceding any inch of historical Palestine.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can't be created through decisions and initiatives. States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

You make Hudna with Diplomats and representatives of the people. Not guys like this...
Why don't you post that 2005 platform for Hamas AGAIN P.F.??? Just to remind yourself what a difference one year apparently makes in the "mood" of Hamas...

HAMAS has diplomats and are the legitimately elected government of Palestine, until the next elections, unlike Abbas whose term has long expired and who carries no legitimacy whatsoever and the Fatah faction who lost the last election. The British government ended up talking to the Provisional IRA and now we have peace. Churchill said "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war." Even the US State Department opened diplomatic links with Hamas when they were elected; that is until the Zionist Israel lobby and the Zionist Israeli governments blew their collective fuses and forced the US to declare HAMAS a terrorist organisation. Hamas wanted peace from the outset, Israel refused. after the 1948 war President Husni al-Za'im offered Ben-Gurion peace, full diplomatic recognition of the state of Zionist Israel and to absorb most of the Palestinian refugees in Syria as full citizens and to resettle them in the North of the country away from Israel's border, in exchange for a small parcel of some disputed land along the Syrian Israeli border which he could sell to his people as a "victory". Ben Gurion never bothered to reply and the Zionists have been refusing to negotiate in good faith ever since. The Zionists need war, need constant conflict in order to expand their state..."from the Euphrates to the sea."

No, they are not the elected government by a flux (4-30% depending on district of popular vote), fatah had the majority votes, they have elected representatives in parliament. They illegally took control of gaza. They don't represent the WB in their political or militarily ambitions. There has not been an election since 2006, because hamas will not permit one to take place.

Hamas does not represent the palestinians, it controls gaza by force.

However you try to spin it, under the agreed electoral process then in place Hamas won 74 seats against Fatah's 45 on a 76% voter turnout. The election was considered free and fair by international monitors and observers. Hamas got an average 42% of the vote against Fatah's 38%, the remaining 20% going to minor factions and independents. Fatah lost, they knew it and Zionist Israel couldn't stand it, neither could the West so they got Fatah to stage a coup which failed in Gaza but succeeded in the West Bank with Zionist Israeli support. Hamas was ready to stand for elections recently, but surprise, surprise, Abbas deferred them yet again.

Seems western style democracy only counts if it elects governments the West approves of.

Hamas should never have been allowed to run in the first place. It is a murderous organization. The Republican and Democratic parties in America aren't murderous. Can you imagine if the KKK would be allowed to run for elections?

I don't think the BNP or UKIP or Sinn Feinn should be allowed to run in UK elections, so what? The process allows it and I accept the results, however grudgingly. The Tories won the last election here and though most of the country wanted someone else, no-one is organising a coup against them. If they guy has been fairly elected, that's who you deal with across the table.

 

[Challenger]

Keep Calm and Seek the Truth Challenger.. Turns out your Husni al Za'im was a left-over Ottoman military officer that led a bloodless coupe of Syria. Shortly thereafter --- he was deposed and executed. That's the problem with making deals with so-called Palestinian leadership. They tend to lead dangerous and short lives for the most part.

That agreement would have worth maybe a falafel sandwich without the drink... This guy was "president" for literally 7 months before his neck was stretched out. And more than likely was CIA backed.

I'm calm, always have been. Husni-al-Za'im was the President of Syria when he made the offer. The success of his coup was dependant on making a just peace with the Zionist state, when his attempt failed, his days were numbered, just like Sadat when he made peace after the 1973 war. Didn't make the offer any less genuine. Ben Gurion hung him out to dry. The Zionists have never wanted peace and don't want it now. "Greater Israel" is the goal, from the Euphrates to the sea.

So your position is --- It's ISRAEL's fault that this guy only lasted 7 months???
That you would believe his seizure of power was ruined by only by his failure to cuddle up to
"the Zionist Entity".. This is entertaining.. For sure..

Ben Gurion could have been as reality challenged as our John Fraud Kerry and STILL realized that this guy was a "dead man walking" and NOT an opportunity for peace.

Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it? Nobody knew then how long he'd last. My position is that "peace loving" Zionist Israel never made the effort. What could they have lost if the deal went south? They were at war with their neighbours already, so nothing lost there if it did. If, however, the deal held they'd have a stable northern border, a split amongst their enemies and no Palestinian refugee problem to worry about in the future. The prospect would be worth exploring to any politician who really desired to live in peace with his neighbours; unfortunately Ben Gurion and Zionist Israel had no intention of making peace, then or since.

 

[Challenger]

Phoenall, Challenger, et al,

I don't think HAMAS was ever really interested in "nation building."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

They have had 7 years to implement this and not one of the highlighted articles has so much as been talked about

(COMMENT)

Yes, I agree. I tend to think of HAMAS and the Gaza Strip as a failed leadership and government.

Most Respectfully,
R

Think what you like, we'll never know because they were never given the chance to try; their leadership "failed" because it was systematically assassinated by Zionist Israel.

They had the chance to do nation-building in Gaza, but they didn't.

What chance?

 

[Challenger]

Interesting; The Jewish Press Hague Judges Tell Prosecutor to Proceed with 2010 Gaza Flotilla War Crime Case

 

[Challenger]

Nevermind.. I'll post it for you..

Hamas - 2006 Electoral Campaign Platform - Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - ProCon.org

1. Islam is our Reference.

2. Palestine is Arab and Muslim Land.

3. Palestinians are one nation regardless of location.

4. The Palestinian People are still in the process of National Liberation and have the right to use all means including armed struggle to achieve this goal.
5. The right of return to all Palestinians.

6. Adherence to the inalienable rights of the people.

7. Protect and cement National Unity as a priority.

8. The issue of prisoners and detainees tops the agenda ; on the internal policy level the C&R aims at achieving a great number of objectives - among them: Maintaining Palestinian fixed National Aims; Palestinian presence in Jerusalem; political freedom; dialogue as a means to solving internal differences; freedom of expression; assembling movement.

9. The platform of the C&R prohibits: Political detention; shedding Palestinian blood; protection of civil society; directing the security apparatus to safeguarding the security of the citizens.

Among other things the Platform calls for protecting the "Resistance" and enhancing its role to resist Occupation and achieve Liberation.


WEEELLLL .. So much for Palestinian unity or prohibiting "political detention, shedding Palestinian blood, or protection of civil society" ======= THAT -- was 2005. And in 2006, some assistant to the Prime Minister calls for peace and negotiations??????

I thought OUR foreign policy was schizophrenic.

Why did you omit these aspects of the platform?

"A number of measures, based on Islam are to be implemented. A new elections law is to be passed so as to ensure justice and fair representation of our people. All citizens are equal before the Law; arbitrary arrest is taboo. Dialogue should be encouraged and the respect of the other; point of view guaranteed for all; unions are to be independent and domination is unacceptable; political powers are recognized and their role is to be used for the sake of establishing of civil institutions; equal opportunities for all and the principle of the right man for the right job will be applied.

Out of our conviction of the vitality of building a well-rounded Palestinian individual, the C&R attaches great importance to education which will keep abreast of modern innovations. Islam of course will be the core of the Palestinian education philosophy - reforms are to be introduced to the current education system, the C&R details its policy in this regard in 17 items proposed to rehabilitate the system. C&R lists five measures to raise the efficiency of the clergy and regulate and care for mosques and emphasize their educational role.

The Palestinian family, as the nucleus of the Palestinian society, figures high in the C&R platform; 16 items detail the proposed suggestions that will strengthen the family and its role. Palestinian family Laws are to be derived from and conform to the Shari'ah law as far as the society is concerned; reconciliation committees should be activated in order to discharge their role as trouble-shooters.

Culture and media play a vital role in shaping the mentality and thought of citizens, and building up of the nation's personality. Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns. Official media should work for enhancing the people's steadfastness and resistance.

Women's rights will be guaranteed so that they can contribute to the building of society, socially, economically and politically. Women's organizations should be encouraged. The C&R enumerates the actions that they should take to raise the status of women. Youth care is among the aims to be achieved by the C&R - talents among the young are to be tapped and encouraged.

Public land should be taken care of so that they can be fully utilized to build villages and public housing to be distributed fairly and equally among those in need. Heath Care system is to be reformed and made available to all people, especially the needy. Health care centers will be built to serve all sections of the people wherever they live.

Public health and hygiene will also be taken care of. The environment is to be protected. Agriculture and animal husbandry will be encouraged. Small farms will get credits in order to effectively make use of the land. The use of insecticides should be regulated for full benefits.

On the economic level, the economy and monetary system should be independent from the Zionist entity and its economic and monetary system. The C&R will mint Palestinian currency; self-sufficiency is an ultimate objective to be worked for through a number of measures. International economic agreements will be reconsidered and revised so as to serve the interests of the Palestinian people, chief among them:

*The Paris Economic agreement.

*The Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

*Partnership Agreement with the EU.

*The Economic Agreement with Egypt and Jordan.

The Economic and trade relations with the Arab and Islamic world should be developed. The Palestinian economy should be helped to disengage itself from the dependency on Israeli economy. Income tax laws must be reconsidered and reformed. Labor and unions and occupational societies will be encouraged and developed; minimum wage limit should be established to guarantee a decent standard of living for all, wages and salaries should be linked to the index.

Roads must be updated and modernized; movement among cities and villages should be emphasized and smooth; opening of free crossings between Palestinian territory and Jordan and Egypt. Any foreign interference is rejected; the port and the airport are to be reopened."

Sounds like nation building to me.

And immediately breached by hamas themselves. So that is why they are not in the link given to the hamas manifesto, ever thought that they might not be in the one linked to ?

Agreed -- a link would be spiffy.. We need MORE of this. Because the chuckles and guffaws are better than what's on the Comedy Channel right now.

My favorites are

--- Arbitrary arrest is taboo..

And

--- Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns.

Stop it -- you're killing me...

Erm...I sourced from the link you provided yourself, didn't you bother to read the whole article?

 

[P F Tinmore]

I'm here to learn stuff and here's what I just learned about Haniyeh....

Ismail Haniya Fast Facts - CNN.com


May 2, 2011 - Condemns the assassination of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, referring to him as a Muslim holy warrior and the victim of American oppression.

October 23, 2012 - Meets with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the first official head of state to visit since Egypt and Israel instituted a blockade in 2007.

April 4, 2013 - Haniya is appointed deputy head of Hamas, and Khaled Meshaal is re-elected chief.

There's your Hamas leadership P.F... Hudna or not Hudna? Condemning the USA for the assassination of bin Laden.. A GREAT Muslim holy warrior...

Did that cease-fire offer appear ANYWHERE other than the NYTimes Op Ed page??

 

[P F Tinmore]

Nevermind.. I'll post it for you..

Hamas - 2006 Electoral Campaign Platform - Israeli-Palestinian Conflict - ProCon.org

1. Islam is our Reference.

2. Palestine is Arab and Muslim Land.

3. Palestinians are one nation regardless of location.

4. The Palestinian People are still in the process of National Liberation and have the right to use all means including armed struggle to achieve this goal.
5. The right of return to all Palestinians.

6. Adherence to the inalienable rights of the people.

7. Protect and cement National Unity as a priority.

8. The issue of prisoners and detainees tops the agenda ; on the internal policy level the C&R aims at achieving a great number of objectives - among them: Maintaining Palestinian fixed National Aims; Palestinian presence in Jerusalem; political freedom; dialogue as a means to solving internal differences; freedom of expression; assembling movement.

9. The platform of the C&R prohibits: Political detention; shedding Palestinian blood; protection of civil society; directing the security apparatus to safeguarding the security of the citizens.

Among other things the Platform calls for protecting the "Resistance" and enhancing its role to resist Occupation and achieve Liberation.


WEEELLLL .. So much for Palestinian unity or prohibiting "political detention, shedding Palestinian blood, or protection of civil society" ======= THAT -- was 2005. And in 2006, some assistant to the Prime Minister calls for peace and negotiations??????

I thought OUR foreign policy was schizophrenic.

Why did you omit these aspects of the platform?

"A number of measures, based on Islam are to be implemented. A new elections law is to be passed so as to ensure justice and fair representation of our people. All citizens are equal before the Law; arbitrary arrest is taboo. Dialogue should be encouraged and the respect of the other; point of view guaranteed for all; unions are to be independent and domination is unacceptable; political powers are recognized and their role is to be used for the sake of establishing of civil institutions; equal opportunities for all and the principle of the right man for the right job will be applied.

Out of our conviction of the vitality of building a well-rounded Palestinian individual, the C&R attaches great importance to education which will keep abreast of modern innovations. Islam of course will be the core of the Palestinian education philosophy - reforms are to be introduced to the current education system, the C&R details its policy in this regard in 17 items proposed to rehabilitate the system. C&R lists five measures to raise the efficiency of the clergy and regulate and care for mosques and emphasize their educational role.

The Palestinian family, as the nucleus of the Palestinian society, figures high in the C&R platform; 16 items detail the proposed suggestions that will strengthen the family and its role. Palestinian family Laws are to be derived from and conform to the Shari'ah law as far as the society is concerned; reconciliation committees should be activated in order to discharge their role as trouble-shooters.

Culture and media play a vital role in shaping the mentality and thought of citizens, and building up of the nation's personality. Freedom of thinking, expression and fairness and safeguarding the youth from external corruptible influence are chief among the C&R concerns. Official media should work for enhancing the people's steadfastness and resistance.

Women's rights will be guaranteed so that they can contribute to the building of society, socially, economically and politically. Women's organizations should be encouraged. The C&R enumerates the actions that they should take to raise the status of women. Youth care is among the aims to be achieved by the C&R - talents among the young are to be tapped and encouraged.

Public land should be taken care of so that they can be fully utilized to build villages and public housing to be distributed fairly and equally among those in need. Heath Care system is to be reformed and made available to all people, especially the needy. Health care centers will be built to serve all sections of the people wherever they live.

Public health and hygiene will also be taken care of. The environment is to be protected. Agriculture and animal husbandry will be encouraged. Small farms will get credits in order to effectively make use of the land. The use of insecticides should be regulated for full benefits.

On the economic level, the economy and monetary system should be independent from the Zionist entity and its economic and monetary system. The C&R will mint Palestinian currency; self-sufficiency is an ultimate objective to be worked for through a number of measures. International economic agreements will be reconsidered and revised so as to serve the interests of the Palestinian people, chief among them:

*The Paris Economic agreement.

*The Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

*Partnership Agreement with the EU.

*The Economic Agreement with Egypt and Jordan.

The Economic and trade relations with the Arab and Islamic world should be developed. The Palestinian economy should be helped to disengage itself from the dependency on Israeli economy. Income tax laws must be reconsidered and reformed. Labor and unions and occupational societies will be encouraged and developed; minimum wage limit should be established to guarantee a decent standard of living for all, wages and salaries should be linked to the index.

Roads must be updated and modernized; movement among cities and villages should be emphasized and smooth; opening of free crossings between Palestinian territory and Jordan and Egypt. Any foreign interference is rejected; the port and the airport are to be reopened."

Sounds like nation building to me.

Sounds like building an Islamic terrorist network of criminals, social misfits and welfare cheats.

http://www.newsmax.com/t/newsmax/article/583425

Senior Hamas leaders and their associates have grown rich smuggling arms and other material into the Gaza Strip, while the majority of the 1.8 million Palestinians living there subsist on incomes among the poorest in the Arab world.

Smuggling is bringing something into a country illegally.

What law are they violating?

 

[P F Tinmore]

So when offering 5 and 10 year truces to the Zionists so they could "reconstruct their own political representation and process" was refused by the Zionists, when the the results of freest, most heavily monitored elections were disregarded by the U.S. and Zionist Israel in favour of a "more favourable" losing faction, what do you expect the Palestinian people to do? They have organisation and consensus, a viable working government infrastructure, as good as any in the West. Surround New York with razor wire fences and watchtowers, control everything and everyone that moves in or out, then when New Yorkers take a few pot shots over the fence use the USAF to carpet bomb Long Island; then repeat the process for 10 years and see how long the organisation, consensus and a viable working government infrastructure survives.

I have no idea what 5 or 10 yr truce you refer to.. But you're in total denial if you think the Palis have had any form of functional unified representation for the past 9 yrs or so.. No elections, no functioning central govt, no authority for diplomacy.. What kind of election ends in NO MORE ELECTIONS ? Or a purge of the losing party and one party control of Gaza? There are consequences to the choices the Palis made. And if you READ the Hamas Charter and the "platform" they ran on ---- YOU and your couch Palis here -- just need to ACCEPT those choices and realize the Palis don't value diplomacy, or functioning govt or infrastructure or commerce over symbolic resistance and perpetual setbacks in their sorry state of living.. That's not gonna end well.. Because lack of organization and planning and governance for the past 100 years is the sole reason for their situation today.

It was a proposal made by hamas for a one sided truce on their terms that stated that hamas could end the truce at any time with no warning given. They admitted this was so they could re-arm and re-equip the next generation of terrorists. They would be allowed to goad Israel into taking action that would also make the truce null and void. Of course the Israeli government refused to sign any such deal

Was this during the last Gaza incursion? During a time of open hostility? Or was this a serious strategic type of "truce" because Hamas was serious about governing.?

This is a ten year old offer.

A truce is referred to in Arabic as a “hudna.” Typically covering 10 years, a hudna is recognized in Islamic jurisprudence as a legitimate and binding contract. A hudna extends beyond the Western concept of a cease-fire and obliges the parties to use the period to seek a permanent, nonviolent resolution to their differences. The Koran finds great merit in such efforts at promoting understanding among different people. Whereas war dehumanizes the enemy and makes it easier to kill, a hudna affords the opportunity to humanize one’s opponents and understand their position with the goal of resolving the intertribal or international dispute.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/opinion/01yousef.html?_r=0

Yeah... That's comical.. Combine that with the Hamas Charter and the Hamas 2005 "Platform" and these quotes from the guy's boss..

We promise you that we will not cede a single part of Palestine, we will not cede Jerusalem, we will continue to fight and we will not lay down our arms.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

We repeat today that we are with the establishment of a Palestinian state on any liberated part of Palestinian land that is agreed upon by the Palestinian people, without recognizing Israel or conceding any inch of historical Palestine.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

The Palestinian people do not beg the world for a state, and the state can't be created through decisions and initiatives. States liberate their land first and then the political body can be established.
Ismail Haniyeh

Read more at Ismail Haniyeh Quotes- BrainyQuote

You make Hudna with Diplomats and representatives of the people. Not guys like this...
Why don't you post that 2005 platform for Hamas AGAIN P.F.??? Just to remind yourself what a difference one year apparently makes in the "mood" of Hamas...

Deflection.