I find it interesting that the newspapers of yesterday were touting the Hamas declaration that they no longer would seek the destruction of Israel. When a political group like this decides to announce that their intention is to destroy another country, that is a declaration of war. Nine years later they were in power through elections in Palestine, showing the people living there had some agreement with their intention. So, when Hamas decides to revise its position, the credibility of their current statement has to be a little suspect.
Two years ago, the United Nations accused Hamas of firing 4800 rockets and 1700 mortar rounds into Israeli territory. Amnesty International accused Hamas of indiscriminate attacks on civilians because the rockets are so inaccurate that they killed Palastinians and Israelis alike. A 50-day war kicked off and Amnesty says Israel committed some war crimes themselves during that time by destroying houses and schools were they thought Hamas was hiding out. There is enough resentment on both sides to preserve a war footing for considerably more time.
So, should we rejoice at the revision of a charter calling for the destruction of a state? In diplomatic circles it is "progress" that should not be ignored, but I don't think Israel is going to stop patrols along the border. Let's see if the Hamas actions speak as loud as their words.
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