Hamas pursues conflicting paths
While preparing for the March of Return and conducting massive military exercises, Hamas is also sending conciliatory messages to Israel and the US.
The Israeli defense establishment is getting nervous as it prepares for the “Great March of Return” planned by Hamas along the border between Israel and Gaza for March 30. While making the necessary military preparations and stationing troops on the ground, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has warned the people of Gaza — with special emphasis on local bus companies — not to cooperate with Hamas. Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai said that COGAT has warned some 20 bus companies operating in Gaza that if their buses bring protesters to the border, "you and your families will be held personally responsible."
The working assumption within the security establishment is that faced with an internal crisis, Hamas is exploiting the plight of Gaza residents to enter into conflict with Israel. Nevertheless, even with tensions in the south rising, softer voices are also emerging from Hamas.
