Neutral zones Kobi Michael’s proposal for “Reconstructing Gaza” (May 18) by creating “neutral protected zones” that were employed during the Korean War relies on an assumption that history tells us cannot be made. Israel would have to trust that Hamas would respect the neutral and protected status of those zones, and Hamas has never shown that such trust is deserved.
More likely, Hamas will use those areas to store munitions, stage raids and launch rockets, knowing that if the Israelis retaliate in those areas, international condemnation will rain down along with the rockets, condemnation that will, of course, not be directed at Hamas for their precipitating violation.
I cannot conceive of any reliable guarantee that Hamas could offer that they wouldn’t abrogate in the blink of an eye. They have shown time and again that they lack any semblance of honor.
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