Announcements

I've just read that Hamas and Fatah have announced a reconciliation and a renewed partnership. At a meeting in Cairo they've signed "an understanding" that they will, amongst other things, bring about a Palestinian state and put a stop to the Judaisation of Jerusalem. Not a word about actually making peace with their neighbours.

Personally I'd have hoped for a much more important announcement prior to this one, particularly from Hamas: a cessation of violence against Israel and Israelis. 

Brothers in Arms? 

Until they do, until they change their charter that calls for the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state - they're nothing more than the terrorist group that they have been up until now. The only difference now is that Fatah, the so-called moderate wing of the Palestinians, are to become their accomplices. Interesting choice, considering how Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 by torturing, imprisoning, exiling and even killing many of their Fatah brethren. (See photo - Hamas terrorist masked and armed, threatening his "brothers" as they're marched, humiliated, through the streets to an unknown fate.) 

Prime Minister Netanyahu has tried to warn Fatah of the dangers of walking back into the arms of Hamas, but to no avail. According to Fatah, however, Hamas are part of the fabric of the Palestinians, and therefore reestablishing their relationship is more important than dialogue with Israel, despite the fact that there's so much more to be gained for by Fatah through such negotiation. 

Peace needs partners. Somehow, I can't see this partnership bringing much peace, either for themselves, or, more importantly, for Israel.