Gaza Crisis: Un's Ban Calls For Ceasefire After Israeli Airstrike Kills Civilians

[simple1]

Seems to me that Hamas have come out of this ahead with their constituents, subject to the actual outcomes, as the agreement calls for the discussion of a number of issues, including freedom of movement in and out of Gaza and a commitment by Israel not to target Palestinian militants within Gaza.

EDIT: Unless there is also a secret agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian collaborators who assisted Israel with targeting Hamas will not be getting a free pass and will be hunted down, tortured and killed

Edited November 22, 2012 by simple1

[coma]

Bomb exploded in Tel Aviv.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...e-east-20425352

A rather amatuer and largely ineffective attempt at terrorsim I must say. They [ hamas ?] go through all the hassle of getting an operator into that position to carry out an attack in the heart of Tel Aviv and the device goes off like a fire bunger the Thais use during Loy Krathong. More to this story me thinks ?

Apparently they have caught the bomber, who was promptly lynched and the dead body was dragged along the street tied to the back of a motorbike...no...wait...I must be thinking of somewhere else like Gaza, though had it been the case it would undoubtedly have been front page news with the MSM.

Please change the tune. This song I have heard all too many times.

[lemoncake]

A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been agreed and is to be announced within hours, according to a Palestinian official. On Tuesday night, Hamas official Ayman Taha said an Egyptian-brokered truce had been finalised and would take effect from 10pm. But a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the announcement was premature.

http://news.sky.com/...-to-a-ceasefire

Not sure if how solid is this, and there's still time for things to go wrong, as they so often do.

Local media on both sides had another take on how things will go - basically that Clinton will ask everyone to behave, Israel will accept and stop the attacks, then (willingly or under Egyptian pressure, not clear) the Hamas and Islamic Jihad will do the same. A more comprehensive agreement to be reached later on. Again, hard to judge how serious are these reports.

Re going-to-war-for-votes: Public opinion in Israel seems to be not overly supportive of a ceasefire under current conditions and according to this outline. If it goes through, might be some political price for decisions made. Two months are a lot of time in the Middle East, though... Palestinian public sees such an outcome as a major victory, what with no ground invasion and Hamas pumping some propaganda about downed Israeli aircrafts, Israeli casualties and direct hits. Guess some sane people on both sides also appreciate the chance for not having it all out this time around.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr of Egypt, which brokered the ceasefire after marathon talks, announced the cessation of hostilities at a joint news conference in Cairo with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The accord, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, calls on Israel to "stop all hostilities... in the land, sea and air including incursions and targeting of individuals

The Palistinians are celebrating and claiming victory against Israel.

I do not recall even 1 time when they accepted defeat, The tunnel rat Nasrallah, also claims victory yet has not seen sunshine for over a decade

[geriatrickid]

I had a chuckle as I watched the Gazans celebrate their victory over Israel. I am sure the Islamic jihadists/Hamas/PFLA and assorted other terrorists are breathing a sigh of relief as they can get back to extorting money from their fellow citizens of Gaza. Mind you, the rebuilding will mean bigger profits for the Hamas construction and tunnel operations monopoly. The Egyptians , Israeli Arabs and non arabs will all get a slice of the rebuilding activity. Meanwhile, the Gazans will suffer,

The public sentiment is one of resentement at Hamas, Fatah and Israel. Every reputable report from Gaza states that the people want a different option. They are tired of being held hostage by Hamas et al and they want access to Israel and Egypt. They want their jobs back in Israel, and they want Israel to stop the retaliation. Unfortunately, it can't happen unless the terrorist groups stop the attacks. The Gazan residents have been denied an opportunity to have a free election and they want to be able to choose candidates that offer a diifferent option. Hamas won an election in 2006. It's mandate finished and there should have been an election last year, but Hamas has refused to allow the elections. I find it odd that all the people pointing to Hamas having been elected ignore the fact that the mandate has to be renewed, as Hamas was not elected for "life". The same holds for Fatah. If the Palestinians were ever allowed to vote for candidates not approved by Fatah and Hamas, I think the results would be shocking and Israel would be obliged to sit down with actual sane people intent on establishing peaceful relations.

Edited November 22, 2012 by geriatrickid

[geriatrickid]

Seems to me that Hamas have come out of this ahead with their constituents, subject to the actual outcomes, as the agreement calls for the discussion of a number of issues, including freedom of movement in and out of Gaza and a commitment by Israel not to target Palestinian militants within Gaza.

EDIT: Unless there is also a secret agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian collaborators who assisted Israel with targeting Hamas will not be getting a free pass and will be hunted down, tortured and killed

Those "collaborators" were already being hunted down and killed. They have typically been aggrieved Fatah supporters who have suffered since 2006. These people had nothing to lose as they are blocked from making a living and can only receive funds from the PLA if Hamas allows the transfer of funds through the Hamas controleld bank in Gaza.

[Jingthing]

Well, not sure how we can really know exactly what kind of leadership the majority of Gazans would freely choose now, but it's obvious that plenty of Gazans can't be thrilled by being governed by an extremist Islamist government. Speaking of such governments, it seems Iran is also a party not celebrating the latest developments:

Any chipping away of a 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty threatens billions in U.S. aid that Cairo badly needs.

“If there is a tension between ideological tensions and economic imperatives, [Morsi] comes down on the side of economic imperatives,” Ross said.

The administration also sees the potential for further isolating Iran. “I don’t want to sound too rosy, but it is interesting and bad for Iran if Hamas is turning to Egypt and not to Iran,” the administration official said. “It’s a big diminution in [iran’s] influence.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/with-clintons-shuttle-diplomacy-success-focus-turns-to-long-term-mideast-solution/2012/11/21/bc6602b6-3411-11e2-9cfa-e41bac906cc9_story.html

[coma]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

[Asiantravel]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Hamas Grows in Popularity Among Palestinians

http://frontpagemag....g-palestinians/

Edited November 22, 2012 by Asiantravel

[Jingthing]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Great. So how about an election?

[coma]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Great. So how about an election?

Elections to be held in 2013. Khaled Meshaal is the DJ .

[Jingthing]

Elections to be held in 2013. Khaled Meshaal is the DJ .

If so, they will be choosing no peace.

TS- Answer me just one question. Does Israel have the right to exist in peace? Do you acknowledge the right of Israel to exist in peace?

KM: We consider Palestine our land and this is our natural right and the occupation must end. Occupation cannot be divided.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/3639093.stm

(Translation: NO. NO.)

[uptheos]

The Palistinians are celebrating and claiming victory against Israel.

I'd hate to be in their shoes if they suffer a loss!

[Steely Dan]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Great. So how about an election?

Elections to be held in 2013. Khaled Meshaal is the DJ .

Unfortunate choice of words and emoticon considering Hamas disapprove of music.

[coma]

Elections to be held in 2013. Khaled Meshaal is the DJ .

If so, they will be choosing no peace.

TS- Answer me just one question. Does Israel have the right to exist in peace? Do you acknowledge the right of Israel to exist in peace?

KM: We consider Palestine our land and this is our natural right and the occupation must end. Occupation cannot be divided.

http://news.bbc.co.u...alk/3639093.stm

(Translation: NO. NO.)

[uptheos]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

People voted for Hamas under the same terms as, "can we put rockets in your house or we'll kill you?"

[Jingthing]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

People voted for Hamas under the same terms as, "can we put rockets in your house or we'll kill you?"

No doubt Hamas has support in Gaza and also the west bank but there are also Palestinians who don't agree with their tactics, or their extremist Islamist ideology regarding things like women's and gay rights. So many western leftists are loving on Hamas, but what exactly are they loving on? Certainly nothing like western liberal ethics. Edited November 22, 2012 by Jingthing

[Steely Dan]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Hamas Grows in Popularity Among Palestinians

http://frontpagemag....g-palestinians/

Meanwhile, the region’s most powerful media are all playing up this angle by portraying Israel as the aggressor in a holy struggle and the people of Gaza as martyrs. A recent report from Al Jazeera on the conflict began with exactly that description.

“Two Palestinians were martyred in the Bureij Refugee Camp in the center of Gaza after it was targeted by an Israeli airstrike bringing the number of martyrs to 102,” began the English translation of a recent Al Jazeera broadcast.

Occasionally the mask of Al-Jazeera slips and their true jihaddist agenda shows through. Remember Al-Jazeera is the mouthpiece of the Qatar regime, whose ruler visited Gaza days before the violence broke out, some coincidence.

[uptheos]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Hamas Grows in Popularity Among Palestinians

http://frontpagemag....g-palestinians/

Meanwhile, the region’s most powerful media are all playing up this angle by portraying Israel as the aggressor in a holy struggle and the people of Gaza as martyrs. A recent report from Al Jazeera on the conflict began with exactly that description.

“Two Palestinians were martyred in the Bureij Refugee Camp in the center of Gaza after it was targeted by an Israeli airstrike bringing the number of martyrs to 102,” began the English translation of a recent Al Jazeera broadcast.

Occasionally the mask of Al-Jazeera slips and their true jihaddist agenda shows through. Remember Al-Jazeera is the mouthpiece of the Qatar regime, whose ruler visited Gaza days before the violence broke out, some coincidence.

The survivors of those martyrs sure don't look too happy!

[simple1]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

Hamas Grows in Popularity Among Palestinians

http://frontpagemag....g-palestinians/

Meanwhile, the region’s most powerful media are all playing up this angle by portraying Israel as the aggressor in a holy struggle and the people of Gaza as martyrs. A recent report from Al Jazeera on the conflict began with exactly that description.

“Two Palestinians were martyred in the Bureij Refugee Camp in the center of Gaza after it was targeted by an Israeli airstrike bringing the number of martyrs to 102,” began the English translation of a recent Al Jazeera broadcast.

Occasionally the mask of Al-Jazeera slips and their true jihaddist agenda shows through. Remember Al-Jazeera is the mouthpiece of the Qatar regime, whose ruler visited Gaza days before the violence broke out, some coincidence.

Of course Al Jazeera is just a Jihad broadcaster in disguise, that why it's picked up some of the most prestigious global journalism awards in the past year, such as Columbia Journalism Award, a DuPont award, and a George Polk award. Also Qatar is aligned to the USA with it's diplomatic and peace making efforts in the region.

Edited November 22, 2012 by simple1

[coma]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

People voted for Hamas under the same terms as, "can we put rockets in your house or we'll kill you?"

No doubt Hamas has support in Gaza and also the west bank but there are also Palestinians who don't agree with their tactics, or their extremist Islamist ideology regarding things like women's and gay rights. So many western leftists are loving on Hamas, but what exactly are they loving on? Certainly nothing like western liberal ethics.

IMO this is the most correct comment you have made on the subject thus far.

P.S: The region is in the Middle East. Not the west. So it is not wise to try and compare ethics. That is half the problem with this entire situation.

[thaibeachlovers]

The Israel-Palestinian conflict has very little chance of sparking a world war. Iran vs. America, yes that is a threat.

WW1 was sparked by the assasination of ONE man. It depends if the major powers of today want an excuse for a major attack whether it progresses or not.

[thaibeachlovers]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

People voted for Hamas under the same terms as, "can we put rockets in your house or we'll kill you?"

No doubt Hamas has support in Gaza and also the west bank but there are also Palestinians who don't agree with their tactics, or their extremist Islamist ideology regarding things like women's and gay rights. So many western leftists are loving on Hamas, but what exactly are they loving on? Certainly nothing like western liberal ethics.

I can see westerners supporting Palestine against the Israelis. I don't see them supporting Hamas.

[Samuimike1]

Joy stick warriors against Firecracker warrios, game over!

5 to 167 for the joy stick warrios.

Edited November 22, 2012 by Samuimike1

[Jingthing]

Joy stick warriors against Firecracker warrios, game over!

5 to 167 for the joy stick warrios.

This argument seems to be used to show some kind of moral superiority to the Hamas side. I don't see it. Especially bizarre when it is quite obvious Hamas provoked the Israeli response by massively increasing their rocket attacks and also obtaining and using more serious Iranian missiles. Why does Hamas value the lives of their OWN people so little when the response and uneven results were pretty much assured? The reason Israel's casualties were light is Iron Dome, thanks to Obama's America. Edited November 22, 2012 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Hamas were elected by the majority of Gazans in the 2006 election. With Hamas gaining a majority of 76 of the 132 seats in the chamber, whilst Fatah party got 43 seats. That is a electoral flogging and sentiment has not changed since then. If anything, Hamas has even stronger support from the people of Gaza now than in 2006.

People voted for Hamas under the same terms as, "can we put rockets in your house or we'll kill you?"

No doubt Hamas has support in Gaza and also the west bank but there are also Palestinians who don't agree with their tactics, or their extremist Islamist ideology regarding things like women's and gay rights. So many western leftists are loving on Hamas, but what exactly are they loving on? Certainly nothing like western liberal ethics.

I can see westerners supporting Palestine against the Israelis. I don't see them supporting Hamas.

Wouldn't it be more civilized to support forces of peace and tolerance on BOTH sides even if they are a minority on BOTH sides? What do you think Hamas led Palestine would do to the Jews of Israel if they ever manage an actual military victory and "liberate" Israel, instead of the current imaginary one? The Jewish state of Israel includes a population of 20 percent Arabic citizens (Muslim and Christian). What percentage of Jewish citizens do you imagine the hoped for by Hamas greater Islamic State of Palestine would include? Edited November 22, 2012 by Jingthing

[Morch]

The Egypt factor in this deal is very interesting. As it was Egypt which allowed the more dangerous Iranian built weapons to enter Gaza and it is Egypt who is now promising to stop the entry of such weapons in future. Egypt is putting its neck out on this and its new Islamist government will be more powerful if it succeeds. Personally I don't believe they will stop those weapons which is a different thing than hoping that they do.

As far as any "victory" goes it seems to me the only real significant victories from all this:

Iron Dome has proven quite effective

All the noise about Obama not having Israel's back from the right wing in Israel and America was total bunk (think what that means regarding Iran)

Netanyahu politically

Most significantly, Hamas is now massively more relevant than Fatah among the Palestinians

As far as bringing the Palestinians closer to statehood which some factions there want, this conflict doesn't move that forward at all.

As far as destroying Israel, which some factions there want, it's a mixed bag. Israel is getting more isolated (from Egypt and Turkey) and the American connection is more important than ever. But the American connection isn't going anywhere; it will be stronger than ever for Israel.

Egypt never "allowed" weapons to be transfered to the Hamas, hence the border pass being mostly closed, and smuggling via Sinai peninsula and the infamous tunnels. With the deteriorating security situation in Sinai after the old regime was ousted, there was a period of time in which control was effectively lost. The new government cannot afford and is not interested in either losing the Sinai to extremists or risking a confrontation with Israel. Therefore, their very own interest is to limit weapon supplies - even better if they seem to be forced to do it. A possible decrease in the influence exerted by Iran and radical Sunni organizations might be another bonus.

How well will their part be implemented is anyone's guess, but they do have a certain motivation. Egypt cannot get involved militarily and cannot compete with economic aid given by richer players (example, Katar) - the only realistic way for them to keep their position is through diplomacy. A fine lesson in the transit between being an radical opposition movement and actually running a country. In my opinion, this is good for everyone involved - Egypt retains it's diplomatic clout and gains some, Israel deals with the new Egyptian government for the first time (an improvement in relations since the regime changed), and the Palestinians, while feeling they didn't get all the support the wished, still got most of what they wanted out of the deal. Again, this can all go pear shaped easily, but such is life in that part of the world.

The Hamas gained a lot from the latest round of hostilities too. Basically, it is not pariah anymore - not after dealing almost openly with the USA, Egypt and Israel as an equal party, or with a horde of Arab leaders coming over (most bypassing the irrelevant PA).

Legitimacy, even of sorts, is a a huge victory. But, in fact, I think that this too is everyone's gain: almost every terrorist/violent/resistance/military outfit starts a morphing process of mellowing down once they begin to talk. Can take a long while, but serves to remember the PLO was pretty much the same. You start to play diplomacy, you get caught in it.

As far as public support goes - better not to be deluded, Hamas got a very wide support base both in Gaza and the West Bank. Granted, not everyone, for sure, and as dissent and vocal (unarmed) opposition aren't yet a major component of Palestinian politics these things are hard to measure. But between the three main political alternatives (PA/PLO, Hamas, Islamic Jihad & co.) they have the momentum. PA is seen as corrupt, weak and irrelevant, Islamic movements got their appeal as hardliners vs. Israel, but not much more than that to offer, currently). People worry about security and economy before they think about rights and extras - whether their take of Hamas's role in this cycle is right or wrong is irrelevant - bottom line the Hamas isn't going to disappear from the Palestinian political map, quite the opposite, if anything.

[Steely Dan]

Ok, an initial summary of winners and losers.

Israeli population; Losers, missiles still sporadically being fired in spite of a so called ceasefire. Their government has bowed to international pressure and didn't finish the job off properly, which needed a ground invasion to stop the rockets effectively.

Palestinian population; Losers, They have been clobbered by Israel and Hamas are now even more solidly in control of Gaza. This means privations due to the tyrannical rule of Hamas, who would rather keep their people oppressed with Israel used as a scapegoat to divert attention from Hamas criminals.

Israeli government; Jury still out. Iron dome was a big success, but having Egypt as the monitor of a ceasefire is putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.

Muslim Brotherhood; Winners, They have been billed as peacemakers, when in reality they took the role Washington projected for them with U.S. aid used as a stick.

Iran; Losers. They will be furious if Hamas have changed allegences back to the Sunni sponsors of Qatar, this may make Lebanon their only border from which to directly attack Israel from.

The above may change with time and I will be interested in two things. Firstly how Iran reacts, secondly how effectively Egypt polices borders with Gaza to prevent arms being smuggled in. I suspect egg on Washington's face and the same for the Israeli government soon enough, but with Hamas's most effective weapon being western bed wetters and useful idiots perhaps this farce needs to blow up before steps are taken which should have already been here and now.

[Kilgore Trout]

Absolutely, they shouldnt even consider peace with those terrorists. They should be targetting schools and mosques in gaza, just like hamass does

Sent from my GT-S5660 using Thaivisa Connect App

[Morch]

I had a chuckle as I watched the Gazans celebrate their victory over Israel. I am sure the Islamic jihadists/Hamas/PFLA and assorted other terrorists are breathing a sigh of relief as they can get back to extorting money from their fellow citizens of Gaza. Mind you, the rebuilding will mean bigger profits for the Hamas construction and tunnel operations monopoly. The Egyptians , Israeli Arabs and non arabs will all get a slice of the rebuilding activity. Meanwhile, the Gazans will suffer,

The public sentiment is one of resentement at Hamas, Fatah and Israel. Every reputable report from Gaza states that the people want a different option. They are tired of being held hostage by Hamas et al and they want access to Israel and Egypt. They want their jobs back in Israel, and they want Israel to stop the retaliation. Unfortunately, it can't happen unless the terrorist groups stop the attacks. The Gazan residents have been denied an opportunity to have a free election and they want to be able to choose candidates that offer a diifferent option. Hamas won an election in 2006. It's mandate finished and there should have been an election last year, but Hamas has refused to allow the elections. I find it odd that all the people pointing to Hamas having been elected ignore the fact that the mandate has to be renewed, as Hamas was not elected for "life". The same holds for Fatah. If the Palestinians were ever allowed to vote for candidates not approved by Fatah and Hamas, I think the results would be shocking and Israel would be obliged to sit down with actual sane people intent on establishing peaceful relations.

Well, of course they weren't looking forward to a ground invasion by the IDF, and yes, they took some nasty hits - but bottom line: they kept firing until the last minute, they didn't break down and capitulate under the attacks, and they had some success hitting farther areas (plus making the most of it from the propaganda angle). They got most of what they wanted out of the ceasefire, and when the dust clears - despite the massacre/genocide chorus, casualties weren't as high as last time and overall damage to infrastructure not that extensive (re whining about indiscriminate targeting...).

If I understand the terms - most building materials will be allowed to pass the borders now, and there will be a general easing of restrictions. Assuming that's the case - the smuggling gains will presumably transform into bribes and taxes, as is common among civilized nations. Israelis, even Arab ones, aren't very likely to gain much (if anything) out of rebuilding Gaza, maybe in a roundabout way.

Not sure how you define reputable reports - there's resentment alright, most of it directed at Israel, with Egypt and the PA competing for the "biggest disappointment" medal. Negative opinions of Hamas are usually on the decline during or right after military confrontations with Israel (similar trends for Israeli public opinion, with regard to their leadership, though to a lesser extent). Helps to bear in mind that the combination of difficult security/economy conditions, state propaganda, and the medical side effects of expressing negative feeling toward the Hamas, do a lot to sustain public support. Israel is routinely held responsible for every hardship (including Egypt keeping the border closed). The people do want a better life, sure, but Hamas is often portrayed and seen as the one making even what little the have possible (and if not that, then at least it keeps pride and hope alive).

By no means a comprehensive review of Gazan citizen opinions, but saying they don't have support or that what support they have isn't real just doesn't fit they way things are.

Candidates not belonging to a major movement will most probably lack clout and political apparatus. The few possible independents are mostly connected to rich family/clans which aren't much better than the rest. I doubt a sane person will get mixed in Palestinian internal politics to begin with.

The Hamas is here to stay, at least for the near future, Israel will need to cope with that. Then again, sticking around as a political movement will make the Hamas have to cope with Israel. Same old.

[Morch]

Seems to me that Hamas have come out of this ahead with their constituents, subject to the actual outcomes, as the agreement calls for the discussion of a number of issues, including freedom of movement in and out of Gaza and a commitment by Israel not to target Palestinian militants within Gaza.

EDIT: Unless there is also a secret agreement with Hamas, the Palestinian collaborators who assisted Israel with targeting Hamas will not be getting a free pass and will be hunted down, tortured and killed

Those "collaborators" were already being hunted down and killed. They have typically been aggrieved Fatah supporters who have suffered since 2006. These people had nothing to lose as they are blocked from making a living and can only receive funds from the PLA if Hamas allows the transfer of funds through the Hamas controleld bank in Gaza.

I'd say that picking an obvious candidate (ie down-on-his-luck-Fatah-supporter) sounds a tad too amateurish to be "typical". Spies, collaborators and betrayal come in all shapes and sizes. Human beings got a whole array of weaknesses ready to be exploited, Moreover, payments to agents in Gaza shouldn't be such a big deal, with or without use of Hamas controlled banks.