Hamas Wants Guarantees (The Irony is Lost on DC)
The mainstream media breathlessly details Hamas's request for 'guarantees' Israel will cease its incessant bombardment (now in its ninth month) before releasing more captives. One might wonder why a cessation of hostilities is considered a 'demand' and not, say, a foundational prerequisite for ending what Netanyahu himself boasts is a 'long war.' The historical record, however, shows Israel has a
rich history of agreeing to ceasefires, only to resume operations when strategically convenient. Recall the 2014 Gaza war, where multiple agreements were followed by renewed shelling. Expecting 'guarantees' from a government that just bombed a designated safe zone after ordering civilians there seems less like a 'demand' and more like basic, battle-hardened common sense. Meanwhile, the US
continues to funnel weaponry. Just last month, the House passed HR 815, providing billions more in military aid to Israel, with many of its loudest proponents, like Rep. Michael McCaul, having received significant contributions from pro-Israel PACs (OpenSecrets records McCaul receiving over $100,000 from pro-Israel groups in his career). The media's portrayal of Hamas's 'demands' conveniently
omits the context of a prolonged siege and systematic destruction, much less the financial and political backing from Washington that enables it. It's almost as if 'ceasefire' only means something when Israel says it.