The recent violence in Gaza Strip is heart rending to say the least. Though it is quite natural for people to be angered and saddened at the same time, the Hamas need to take measures that speak of restraint and order. If the Israelis pound Gaza, they take the pretence of targeting militants, but invariably end up killing civilians. The Hamas brazenly attack Israeli cities without any qualms.

Though it is disgusting to say the least, to compare the two sides which have killed thousands on either side, Hamas must exercise restraint. In fact, a policy of non violence by the Palestinian people would give their cause more credibility. This I say because, people associate religious fundamentalism with terrorism. And when a government that breathes religious fundamentalism carries out attacks without the pretence of targeted air strikes, they would definitely not get any international support.

Hamas or any Palestinian government in the future must give up attacking Israeli civilians and show the world they can adopt non violence. That simple step would give Palestinian struggle the credibility they deserve. If they continue to attack Israel, the Israeli war planes will continue to pound children and civilians in Ramallah, in Gaza and in Hebron, or wherever in west Bank. The Israelis could stop bombing too, but since they wouldn’t, and since they are much stronger with a bigger ego, and International credibility as a nation, the Palestinians will have to give up violence even if it means hurting their ego. Violence only begets violence.

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