Between a Rock and a Hard Place in Gaza

More than 900 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in attacks by the Israeli military. Hamas has been firing rockets into Israel and about 13 Israelis have been killed, four of which were civilians. Israel justifies the bombing and ground attack as necessary to halt Hamas’ Gaza-based bombings of Israeli civilians, with strong U.S. backing. How has the U.S. responded to escalating violence in the Gaza Strip?

Israel’s decision to attack Gaza less than a month before Bush leaves office may not be a coincidence. Under eight years of the Bush Administration, the U.S. has been a staunch ally of Israel, reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself. The Bush Administration considers Hamas a terrorist organization and President Bush stated that, while a cease-fire is a “noble ambition”, it will not be possible until Hamas cannot use Gaza as a place from which to launch rockets.

Protests across the U.S. and Arab world are calling for a cease-fire that can ensure lasting peace. On Friday the United Nations passed a cease-fire agreement with 14 countries voting to approve, the U.S. voting against. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has called for an investigation into Israel’s bombing of a U.N. school where 40 people were killed. Israel says Hamas was using the school to launch rockets into Israel. Although Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 3-hour a day cease-fire to allow for humanitarian aid, many aid groups have temporarily ceased operations until they can be sure it is safe.

Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a non-binding resolution supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza, coupled with a call to the President to work actively on a durable and enforceable cease-fire that ensures Hamas cannot keep launching rockets into Israel. President-Elect Barack Obama said there is a strong need for one voice on foreign policy concerns but asserted that on January 20th he will have plenty to say about the issue. He has stated that he is deeply concerned about the loss of life in Gaza and Israel and is committed to working towards peace in the region.

Does the U.S. have a role to play in establishing peace in Gaza and Israel? How will Obama handle the Israel/Palestine conflict? Will he uphold his promise to seek a diplomatic solution to foreign policy crises? How will Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State respond to the crisis? What can be done to protect civilians in both Gaza and Israel and find a lasting cease-fire?