Hamas is looking more poweful than ever, with Turkey proud to lead the Muslim community, and Netanyahu’s promise to ease the blockade. But they don’t even need, or want the blockade eased – there were plans to turn Gazan sewage into fertilizer to make the Strip into a little organic farm. Some of the tunnels to Egypt will shut down, but others will survive. Hamas is ready to continue making the little country self sufficient, even as it taxes its people.
As Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas hopes for a country and gets shut down, Hamas is whistling while they work. While much of the West is still wary, Turkey is looking to increase its clout, American investors of Palestinian origin are opening Gaza’s first mall, and Saudi sheiks are sending out management consultants to look for opportunities; land prices in Gaza city are shooting up.
Tony Blair, who organized the easing of the blockade on the part of the Quartet (the EU, UN, U.S. and Russia) says he wants to visit, but right now only talks to officials via teleconference. So Hamas remains more powerful than ever, although Gazans just want to be free.
What is Israel to do?
