Once again the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached the level of intensity that threatens to spill over into wider violence and political disorder. The kidnap of an Israeli soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, by Palestinian militants provoked an Israeli military occupation of Gaza, collective punishment of civilians there who are deprived of electricity, and the arrest of dozens of Hamas ministers and leaders in the West Bank.
These are disproportionate actions in response to the kidnap. A broader Israeli strategy to undermine the Hamas government is being applied, just when a political agreement was reached this week between Hamas and Fatah.
Mediation by the Egyptian government may secure Cpl Shalit's release. That prospect has held back a ground invasion and could see an Israeli pullback if it happens. Ordinary Palestinians regard Cpl Shalit as a prisoner of war, captured in a daring but legitimate operation. They point out that dozens of civilians have been killed by Israeli fire in recent weeks and that Israel holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners without charge. In return for his release they expect some of them to be freed. In the meantime hundreds of thousands of civilians have been deprived of electricity and other services. It is as if the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza never occurred.
Since Hamas won the elections to the Palestinian Authority in January there has been a determined effort by Israel to undermine and discredit the new government. It is regarded as opposed in principle to Israel's existence, completely rejectionist as to a peace process, and irredeemably involved with Islamic fundamentalism. These are half truths at best. They disregard the political evolution going on in Hamas, the several good reasons for its popular appeal and the inevitable pragmatism arising from its taking over the reins of government. All of these factors are capable of being channelled constructively towards political engagement.
International pressure on Hamas to recognise Israel and relinquish violence is perfectly valid and fully to be expected. But the means chosen to apply that pressure are misconceived and likely to result in even greater popular militancy. Further international pressure should now be applied to de-escalate this latest crisis and explore ways to find a political space for negotiation of a long-term settlement. It is not unrealistic to think that this might be found. The agreement between Hamas and Fatah marks the emergence of a group within Hamas prepared to do real political business with Israel and a recognition within the Fatah movement that an accommodation must be reached. This opportunity for political progress should not be missed.