Morch

You think Israel and Israelis are thrilled going into Gaza? Looking forward to the death toll? Israel's (or, put differently, Netanyahu's) strategy up to now was to keep the Gaza Strip pacified through economic means, with the occasional blowout when things got out of hand. While it wasn't ideal, I'm pretty sure it was preferable to what we're about to see. Calling this an 'opportunity' is kinda sick.

Why was the blockade enforced? Just out of spite? Was it always in place? If Israel got such a tight control, how come Hamas is able to restock it's rocket arsenal over and over again? How come there's enough cement and metal for miles and miles of underground tunnels? (and no bomb shelters...) Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip. It was not a matter of a few hundred meters, in most cases. You're welcome to your fantasy world in which Hamas does not exist, and is not responsible for anything.

More wild fantasies, zero support.

For one thing, the area between the Israeli border pass and the southwards is already a battle zone. Unless mistaken, by now most of the populace of the strip is at the south side. There's not much sense in making them cross the battle zone - probably kinda hard to pass with all the destruction meted. Many of these people have dual-citizenship, and Israel will not wish to risk any suicide bombs attack on the pass, or allow Hamas to use such an opportunity for to attack. I think the powers that be in Israel are aware that international support would eventually dwindle and the trend would change. Their take may be that the complications and risks of that you suggest, outweigh the possible benefits. Considering the international support clock starts ticking the minute the first bomb falls on the Gaza Strip, seems like their priorities using this time are different. It's also a safe bet that even if Israel was to do that, it would be criticized as not solving the whole issue of the currently displaced Gazans, with claims that Israel should provide them shelter and such even. I think the issue now is more to do with Egypt - both with regard to reassurances it burdened with a flood of refugees, and not be put in a bad light in the Arab World as differentiating between Palestinians and foreigners.

I've answered an identical question by you earlier. These would be the 1948 refugees.

More nonsense. You seriously think that moving the border 20km south would change something? Hamas manages to fire rockets at Haifa, and that' about a 100km north of Tel Aviv. Further, moving the border south would still leave all them Israeli small settlements Hamas raided exactly in the same position - on the border (the Strip's eastern border, that is). There's no real talk in Israel, apart from some extreme loons, about annexation. You're making things up, again.

USA citizens were abducted and murdered. Maybe your position is to let it go, I don't think the USA works or thinks that way. Even the UK sends some Navy in (and got forces in Cyprus anyway). The USA is not there to stop Israel. Might be some posters' wet dream, but not gonna happen. The main point of them being out there, operations wise, is to provide assurances for Israel's protection so that Israel will not over retaliate vs. Lebanon (which could indeed make matters way more complicated).

Not sure which part of my post your first line refers to. As for Hamas intentions, maybe so. But the more information revealed on Hamas plans, it would seem that the attack was actually repelled before it reached full goals - capturing even more hostages, expanding the range of operations deeper into Israel, and even holding position for a longer time. Part of this is based on documents found, and some is indicated by the sheer volume of arms, ammunition, supplies etc. brought it. Maybe the 'full version', if that's what it was, would have led to the same results, or would have been enough to undermine Israel's credibility enough to make certain countries to reconsider ties and normalization. I do not know. Taking the line of though you suggest, would bring Hamas's cynicism and disregard for human life (including and especially his own people).

Why would he know this? Hamas doesn't share information like this with him. And if he knows it, it's a safe bet Israel does as well. I don't think Israel needs a whole lot of tactical intel from Abbas, when it comes to Gaza Strip.

There's no serious talk in Israel about an 'occupation' of the Gaza Strip. No one in his right mind wants this. Some hard core right wing elements, yes - but I think it's against general public sentiment. One of the risks associated with the upcoming ground move by Israel, is that it can get bogged down there, which would imply needing to deal with needs of the local populace etc. - again, not a responsibility Israel or Israelis care to shoulder. With Egypt not being interested in taking charge of the Strip, and international cooperation bound to result in a mess, the obvious candidate would be the Palestinian Authority. They would certainly love getting back control of Gaza, but maybe not so much being seen as 'collaborators' and such.

Abbas does not rule the Gaza Strip. PA security forces do not have access, even.

Not accurate. You keep pushing this for some unclear reason. There are supporters of Fatah in the Gaza Strip as well. There are supporters of Hamas in the West Bank. What 'affinity' you're on about is mostly something of the past, and would anyway apply to original Palestinian residents of the Strip. The demographics changes significantly with refugee influx.

How do you mean 'why does he not give up Hamas' ?

"'Forward' he cried from the rear And the front rank died." Wonder what Roger Waters makes of that.

Gaza border crossing set to reopen as Israeli troops prepare ground assault https://www.aol.com/gaza-border-crossing-set-reopen-235741665.html

Israel had, in the past, agreed to release thousands of Palestinians to secure the release of captives and hostages.

Until the widow remarries. Technically, common law marriage etc. popular in Thailand counts - but in effect no measures to stop payments on such grounds. Kids get it until they reach 18. Was honored on previous instances. Not sure how you meant. As far as I can tell, they pay the same to tourists that were hurt in attacks - same deal. Reading some of the Israeli social media and news, it would seem that there are extra funds and payments involved in this case - a one tie instant grant to families directly effected, counseling fees, medical bills. I know the latter was applied to Thais in past instances. There are usually quiet a long list of benefits - but some bureaucracy to overcome, and options not always fully broadcasted to public. There are several Israeli NGO's assisting Thai workers in Israel, I'm pretty sure they know the ropes.

IMO. They are nitwits. And scum. But I will add this, though - first, their numbers are relatively small and in this instance they are definitely outliers. On the other hand, it demonstrated that one side can have differing voices. Maybe when you'll find similar Muslim, Palestinian groups protesting against Hamas's attack, it would be interesting.

Obviously, Israel got other priorities right now.

Israel worries Hamas leadership will use this as cover to escape. Egypt doesn't want to seem as treating foreigners better than Palestinians. They are probably also worried that opening the pass for this will result in a mass stampede.

Not always, obviously. And sure, many times these allegations are off mark. But I think it will be dishonest to say that both sentiments often converge (certainly on related forum topics) - the question more to do with which was is the main thrust and which the underlying. I accept that constantly tossing it about is not constructive, not even to the benefit of those that insist on it. Denying or minimizing it, though? Nah.

Yeah, there's obviously some machine-work as well, but ultimately everything is re-checked by intelligence officers. Mind, even with Israel's extensive data bases on the Hamas, it unlikely they have good passport photos of each and every member. Even when it comes to work permit carrying Palestinians entering Israel (before the attack), the entry process was not swift.

There's mention of 'translation fees'. I've no idea if that implies buying the ticket through some agent, and possibly being hit with a hefty commission.

The Gaza Strip is not under Israeli occupation. The Hamas attack was in an area internationally recognized as Israeli territory. Are you one of the 'river-to-the-sea' crowd?

Yes. There is some long held resentment by Palestinians vs. Thais on these grounds. It's not a major sentiment, or motivation, but it's there. Muslims were killed in the Hamas attack as well - both from indiscriminate rocket fire, or murdered by Hamas 'fighters' (someone ought to enlighten the lady). Additionally, Hamas went into this knowing the consequences all to well, and expecting the Israeli response. There were no measure whatsoever taken to protect the population of the Gaza Strip, or provide warning. Further, Hamas calls on the people of Gaza not to evacuate, but stay in harm's way as the Israeli ground offensive looms. Some reports suggest active measures were taken by Hamas to hinder or block people from evacuating. Almost all of the people in the Gaza Strip are Muslim.