On windows of opportunity – The Economist:

‘Early on february 29th death descended on a coastal road in Gaza. As many as 112 people were killed and hundreds more were injured, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, when catastrophe befell an aid convoy of 30 lorries carrying desperately needed food. As with many events in the war between Israel and Hamas, the facts are destined to remain fiercely contested. Nonetheless this tragedy’s importance will go far beyond the immediate loss of life. The images of hungry people jostling for food illustrate the dearth of aid reaching Gaza. The anarchic circumstances surrounding so many deaths highlight a power vacuum there that no one, least of all Israel, knows how to fill. And another civilian calamity will test America’s appetite for letting the war rumble on.’

(…)

‘Further investigations may reveal more details, and perhaps make it easier to establish an objective picture of what took place. Nonetheless, three things are already obvious. One is that the lack of food and other aid is causing mayhem in Gaza. Israeli security officials have been highly critical of the policy of the government of Binyamin Netanyahu, which has dragged its feet on allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza from Israeli territory. Mr Netanyahu has tried to block cabinet discussions on alternative authorities which could organise food distribution into Gaza. The World Food Programme has warned that “if nothing changes, a famine is imminent in northern Gaza.” The second consequence is another blow to the idea that local organisations unconnected to Hamas could quickly take de facto administrative control of Gaza.’

(…)
‘Mr Netanyahu said on February 29th that Israel was interested in a temporary ceasefire agreement but that “Hamas’ demands are delusional.” He is wary of a ceasefire, which could cause his fragile coalition to collapse. Whoever is to blame for the latest tragedy, it piles on the pressure on all sides to find a way to pause the fighting. One Israeli official said that “we have had a much longer window of legitimacy from the Americans than we expected but it’s about to close.”’

Read the article here.

Manmade famine in the hope to put pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages is not a very effective strategy. Not to mention the ethical issues, and the fact that the State of Israel and many of its politicians work hard to turn Israel into a pariah state.

It seems that that (parts) of the military establishment are saner than the politicians in charge. We should not forget to blame the electorate.

A lethal combination of Messianism, fanatism (well no Messianism without fanatism), paranoia and addiction to a perpetual state of victimhood.