The editorial, “A Way Out of Gaza,” (1/16/09, link here) does not go far enough in analyzing what is needed for a lasting cease-fire. As the Times notes, Israel has every right to demand a permanent end to Hamas’s rocket assaults on the civilian population of Israel. After all, Israel’s military action was a direct response to years of Hamas attacks. The Times also points out that Hamas has a history of using cease-fires to restock its arsenals. But what is left unclear is how to guarantee that Hamas will adhere to any new cease-fire. We are talking about a non-state terrorist actor that states in its charter its "struggle is against the Jews." Hamas documents also note “there is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad.” How to ensure a cease-fire with terrorists who hide in its own civilian population? A true, lasting peace will only happen when the full force of the international community, including Arab leaders, ensures the free-flow of arms into Gaza comes to an end.

Daniel S. Mariaschin
B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President