Escalation of conflict
(From The Japan Times Jan. 8 issue)

要約
パレスチナ･イスラエル対立激化

Following a massive air assault against Hamas in Gaza that began Dec. 27, Israel on Jan. 3 launched a ground invasion of the small strip of land inhabited by 1.5 million Palestinians. Casualties are sure to rise as the fighting moves into densely populated areas. Gaza medics have reported that some 660 Palestinians have been killed, nearly 200 of them children, and more than 2,950 wounded. Another report states that about 45 percent of the wounded are civilians. At least eight Israeli soldiers have been killed, three by "friendly fire," and rockets launched by Hamas have killed three Israeli civilians.

This time around, Hamas provoked Israel by deciding not to renew its six-month ceasefire with Israel, which ended Dec. 19, and stepping up its rocket attacks against Israel. It also reportedly used the ceasefire as an opportunity to double the range of its rockets to 40 km. Whatever its political calculations, Hamas sowed the seeds for the current conflict.

Israel shares responsibility for the significant casualty rate among Gaza's ordinary citizens. Hamas militants also shoulder some blame because they deliberately operate from areas populated by civilians. One factor behind Israel's excessive retaliation could be the parliamentary election Feb. 10. To win the election, the government wants to show that it is doing its best to secure the safety of Israeli citizens. It reportedly prepared for the offensive for more than six months.

Israel says its military action is a limited incursion to eradicate terrorism. Hamas, meanwhile, has vowed to fight "until the last breath." French President Nicolas Sarkozy's efforts to bring about a quick ceasefire achieved little since Israel wants a provision to prevent Hamas from rearming.

As long as Hamas does not remove its rockets and accept the Jewish state's right to exist, it will be difficult for Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement. But an extended Israeli offensive would increase casualties and boost Palestinian support for Hamas. Egypt and other countries are striving to bring about an immediate ceasefire to end the sufferings of Gaza residents. It is hoped such efforts will bear fruit.

パレスチナ自治区ガザのイスラム原理主義組織ハマスに対する空爆に続き、イスラエルは地上侵攻を開始、人口過密地への攻撃で今後も犠牲は増えそうだ。対立のきっかけはハマスによる停戦延長拒否とロケット弾攻撃の拡大だ。停戦期間を利用して射程距離を40キロに伸ばしたといわれている。

民間死傷者の多さはイスラエルにも非があるが、ハマスも意図的に居住区を巻き込んだ責任がある。イスラエル側の過度な報復は2月の総選挙をにらんだもので、半年前に準備されたといわれる。

イスラエルは軍事行動をテロ根絶のための限定的な侵攻としたのに対し、ハマスは最後まで抵抗を続けると宣言。ハマスが武装放棄しユダヤ人国家を承認しない限り、イスラエルが停戦に合意することは難しいが、イスラエルによる攻撃は死傷者を増やし、パレスチナ人のハマス支持を拡大させる。エジプトなどによる即時停戦への取り組みが実ることを願いたい。