Quote Originally Posted by Sergeant T View Post
Looks like a Kobayashi Maru.
In which case, as any Star Trek fan knows, you reprogram the simulation.

In this case, there needs to be a fundamental rethink of the economic blockade of Gaza. Israel is probably incapable of taking the visible lead in this, both for domestic political reasons and for fear of "rewarding" Hamas.

The Ramallah-based PA, however, could broker new arrangements, with US and EU support and encouragement, and the EU or UN playing a role in facilitation of commercial border-crossing operations. The credit then goes to the PA and not Hamas. Israel and Egypt would find themselves no longer hoisted by their own petard--and both can sell their flexibility as the product of dealing with Palestinian moderates. Finally, the population of Gaza can enjoy a more normal life.

Footnote: the US tried this before, with the November 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access (brokered personally by then Sec of State Rice). It was never properly implemented, and subsequently collapsed with Hamas' electoral victory and later take-over of Gaza....