Hamas-Gaza, Israel and Common Sense

The trading of rockets and drone hits continues between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Israeli border towns. Egypt is trying to broker a halt to the attacks to allow time for talks. UN Secretary General Ban-ki-moon uttered an eternal phrase today while visiting the region : "This must stop." These immortal words were almost equalled by US President Obama's observation yesterday that it would be "preferrable" to resolve the crisis without an escalation. Dear readers, I can only ask on what planet these two men - touted by all as the only possible peace brokers - have been living the past 50 years. What can a reasonable person suggest? (1) Egypt...and Iran if it is really serious about being a member of a peaceful Middle East and world...can enforce a no-rocket supply or shooting policy for Hamas, to include closing all Egypt tunnels into Gaza. (2). The US can enforce a simultaneous Israeli no-attack policy for Israel. (3). The US and Egypt can then convene the parties for serious...do not leave the room until agreement is reached...negotiations for a ceasefire. (4) Gaza-Hamas will recognize Israel. (5). Israel will open Gaza with appropriate but not draconian border controls. (6). Israel and the regional Muslim states will create and support an economic development program for Gaza. (7). The UN will supervise free elections in Gaza...because it just may be possible that after 7 years of Hamas, the people of the Gaza Strip, who elected them, may want to try other leaders who come without terrorist intentions toward Israel that cause their families to be bombed as unintentional collateral damage in the unannounced war Hamas and Iran are now waging against Israel.