Hamas is the De Facto Government in Gaza

Maremia

You disagree with AGAA4 s point Oreo?

Only fools would not know the answer to that, after all this time.

220 MPs are putting on the pressure.
Wonder if the Conservative Friends of Israel and the Labour Friends of Israel would have any clout?

But we know the air drops will be ineffective AGA. Starmer would do better pressurising Israel to allow the 100's of aid trucks in and denouncing the lies that UN aid workers are responsible for this not happening.

Dickens

M0nica

Negotiating with terrorists is one thing, negotiating with terrorists as the representative government of a country is an entirely different thing.

Exactly.

It is the same only on a larger scale. Hi-jackers and others who have the whip hand in an urgent emergency is the same dynamic .

Yes Monica, I see that now.
Also, issues raised on a parallel thread, about the very significant differences in the quality and practicality of the aid contents, from different providers.
I'm sure folk on here can make a guess as to whether the US or the UN aid is more appropriate.

Thank you, Korololo for your unemotional summing -up of the situation.

The UK will be taking part in the air drops and Starmer has said that efforts are being made to evacuate seriously ill children to the UK for treatment.

It's a token gesture giving the appearance of doing something when in reality it will make very little difference.

It's of limited use but better than nothing however the most vulnerable will still not be fed.

So do nothing?

Maremia

At last, Israel is allowing air drops of food into Gaza!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a con. Food drops can only be a drop in the ocean compared with taking in adequate supplies of food in by lorry on existing good roads. It will give Israeli forces another chance to take potshots at Palestinians and reduce the population a bit more when they rush to get the food. Who will be on the ground to receive it and make sure it is shared out fairly?

Maremia

At last, Israel is allowing air drops of food into Gaza!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank goodness!!

Huge demonstration in Tel Aviv against the war in Gaza. Interviews with a few residents.

At last, Israel is allowing air drops of food into Gaza!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dickens

M0nica

Negotiating with terrorists is one thing, negotiating with terrorists as the representative government of a country is an entirely different thing.

Exactly.

Well put, M0nica.

M0nica

Negotiating with terrorists is one thing, negotiating with terrorists as the representative government of a country is an entirely different thing.

Exactly.

M0nica

Caleo

MOnica, I understand your POV. Nobody want to set a precedent for terrorists to be legitimised.

Do you not think that the urgency of the situation in Gaza justifies taking this risk?

No, because it would be totally unproductive and lead to more deaths not fewer. It is like paying money to a black mailer, they just come back for more. Negotiate with Hamas and you are opening Pandora's box, and millions more will be killed in many countries all round the world as terrorist groups and dictators claim the right to negotiaate on the behalf of people they have taken over illegally.

the way to stop is for Hamas and Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Then leaders of both groups should be arraigned before the International War crimes Tribunal at Den Hague.

Negotiating with terrorists is one thing, negotiating with terrorists as the representative government of a country is an entirely different thing.

It would be a waste of time because Hamas will do nothing unless the Israelis match them step by step and the Israelis....... I am sorry I cannot think of a single word to say about the Israeli government that is printable.

May another model to describe Israel , is as terrorists stealing an aeroplane on the ground at an airfield and using captive passengers as hostages. The only way to deal with those terrorists is negotiating with them for the lives of as many passengers as can be rescued.

I think the hi-jacking model includes urgency that the blackmailing model lacks.

Killing off the women and children is the time -honoured way to do genocide. Israel's motive is crystal clear.

While Israel carry on destroying Gaza and it's people.

It is simply paying the Danegeld, and once you have paid the Danegeld you never get rid of the Dane.
Hamas have no concern for the people of Gaza, they are simply used as bargaining tools, and should they be invited to the table, they will only seek to negotiate to further their intent to destroy Israel.

itewavemark2 Fri 25-Jul-25 17:31:42
Netanyahu and other members of his government were once classed as terrorists.

When ? By whom ?

Hamas is widely considered a terrorist organization by the UK government, as well as by the EU, US, and others — which is why official recognition as a legitimate government is not extended. While it is the de facto authority in Gaza, recognition isn’t just about governance; it also reflects a state’s stance on human rights, use of violence, and willingness to engage in diplomacy under international norms.

The UK government’s position is based on Hamas’s refusal to renounce violence, its stance toward Israel, and its past actions against civilians. Recognition would carry significant political and legal consequences, including undermining existing diplomatic frameworks and peace efforts through the Palestinian Authority, which is internationally recognized.

That said, many argue that lasting peace may require engaging all influential actors in dialogue — but recognition and dialogue are not the same thing. A government may choose to engage without formally legitimizing.

Netanyahu and other members of his government were once classed as terrorists.

You disagree with AGAA4 s point Oreo?

Galaxy

Despite all it's faults? I don't know how to respond to this.

Jaw dropping isn’t it?