Thursday, June 10, 2010

Hamas Abuses Own People Some More

Shame of the government that abuses its own people. Hamas, the terroristic organization that gained control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, is that government.

Today, Hamas added to its list of offenses. Since when does a government blockade its own people?

Yesterday, Israel announced it will allow previously banned food items into Gaza (snacks, juices, spices, shaving cream). Today, Hamas said, No, these new food items won't be allowed until the blockade, itself, is removed, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Catch that: Hamas is using the welfare of its own people as leverage, as a bargaining chip to break the blockade. It is saying, No, you cannot help our people unless you first break the blockade.

The easing of the blockade, which Israel maintains to cut the Hamas off from weapons and materials to make weapons, is not a new thing. The blockade started in 2007 and in January 2008, Israel announced a easing of the blockade to allow in items to keep a power plant operating.

At that time, the Hamas said they were shutting down the power plant as it needed more energy supplies. Israel at first responded that it was providing enough energy supplies for the power plant and that the shortage was being concocted by the Hamas. Then, Israel said, in essence, Okay, here are more supplies. Restart the power plant.

A BBC story at the time had BBC's correspondent saying the underlying problem was the exclusion of the Gaza residents from peace process as they were under Hamas rule.

Which would be to say, Hamas was not representing them, and they were being left without a government to plead for their interest.

The announcement today of Hamas rejecting an ease of the blockade speaks the same.

And, there is more to this history of shorting its own people. In February 2009, Hamas intercepted an incoming supply of food and blankets and confiscated them, taking the supplies for themselves in government, instead of allowing them through to the Gaza residents.

Clearly, governing the Gaza Strip is a side job for Hamas. Their profession is waging war with Israel. Should they pick up the Gaza Strip along the way, that is fine. It will be useful in the war against Israel.

That appears to be the Hamas attitude.

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