عملية السلام

A recent, credible poll shows that most Gazans oppose Hamas policies and leaders alike, and favor a ceasefire with Israel.

Hamas, bankrupt and friendless, hopes to use violence to win support. Israel cannot do otherwise than act.

Turkey-based Hamas member Salah al-Arouri is uniquely suited to overseeing the group's operations in the West Bank.

The multitude of other crises in the region and the strong doubts among Israelis and Palestinians cannot be an argument for walking away from diplomatic efforts.

The discovery of murdered kidnap victims in the West Bank and increased rocket fire from Gaza have brought Hamas and Israel to the brink of a new round of hostilities.

The Bowe Bergdahl controversy has brought renewed attention to the costs of trading for hostages, and how the United States, Israel, and other countries weigh those costs.

West Bank and Gaza residents alike still appear more receptive to Fatah than Hamas viewpoints.

In the coming days, the Obama administration faces key decisions on how to respond to a Palestinian government "backed by Hamas," whether to condone Hamas participation in Palestinian elections, and what strategy to adopt in response to another effort by Palestinians to enhance their status in the UN.

Even if a permanent deal isn't achievable right now, Washington can still foster a process that contributes to peacemaking.