Palestine: What Are the Americans Doing?

A missile hits Tel Aviv on July 22, 2014

 So much has been written over the past few days about the appalling calamity that has befallen the people of Gaza and Israel. For those readers who are Palestinian apologists, please remember Israelis have suffered deaths too.

One theme constantly appearing in the press is, “what is America going to do?” President Obama has despatched his Secretary of State to the area. I have no doubt that diplomatic initiatives are being taken from Foggy Bottom, the official home of American foreign policy. But is this an American problem? Is this situation not one for the United Nations? Well, it has to be dumped into somebody’s lap.

The real trouble in Gaza is that Hamas are omnipotent there. They were elected to power several years ago. They have not stood for re-election. The Hamas administration’s declared policy is the destruction of Israel. Cease fires have been agreed previously only when Hamas has been brought to its knees.

You may suggest I am pro-Israel. Actually, I am in favor of peace. I do not see how Israel can begin a real search for peace while its settlements on the West Bank stay in place. The land does not belong to the settlers. I also find offensive Israel’s policy of caging the Palestinians in the Gaza strip. However, when Hamas continually launches missiles into Israel, as it has done for the past four years of an ostensible cease fire, what choice does this leave Israel? Sadly, Israel did not take advantage during those four years to negotiate in earnest with Hamas.

My professional career was spent negotiating agreements for clients. My belief in a successful negotiation was based on establishing what those with whom one negotiated really wanted, not just what they said they wanted. Once the true position was known, all that remained was finding a way to give the other side what it actually wanted. It’s a simple proposition in theory. In practice, it’s enormously difficult.

In talks with ordinary Palestinians, I’m sure Israelis could find a solid level of agreement. What most people want is safe roofs over their heads, food on the table and a better life for their children. I believe the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians would agree these propositions.

This leads me to my essential point. The reality is that Hamas do not want peace for their people. What they seek is the total destruction of Israel, a ridiculous and totally unacceptable position which cannot be negotiated. It is complicated by the long history of atrocity and reprisal, leading to more atrocity and reprisal. This is a disaster area, a land of truly sad self-fulfilling prophecy.

Obama, Kerry and American diplomats realise that for them to step into Palestinian talks now would be a complete and thankless waste of time. So, when people ask what America is doing, no wonder the response from the administration is political hot air. But what can they do?