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To destroy Hamas, Israel should support opposition in Gaza

Some in Gaza would like to initiate a popular revolt, as happened in neighboring Egypt, but they can't make it happen without outside support.

An Israeli soldier adjusts sights on a tank at a staging area outside the northern Gaza Strip July 29, 2014. Israel's military pounded targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country should prepare for a long conflict in the Palestinian enclave, squashing any hopes of a swift end to 22 days of fighting. Israel launched its offensive on July 8 with the aim of halting rocket attacks by Hamas and its allies. It later ordered a land invasion to find and destroy the
An Israeli soldier adjusts sights on a tank at a staging area outside the northern Gaza Strip, July 29, 2014. — REUTERS/Baz Ratner

The humanitarian cease-fires between Israel and Hamas have provided some respite and allowed the battle fog above Gaza to dissipate a bit. It enabled both sides to assess their damages and map their achievements, but mainly to search for “honorable” exit points. Hamas and Israel resemble two spent, bruised boxers who have exhausted themselves in the ring and wait for the final bell.

Meanwhile, each side inflicts one more blow, throws one more punch to the face. Yet both sides understand that no knock-out will be declared, at least not in the current round.

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