When does it become a farce?

The New York Times explains why the Israeli ceasefire with Hamas didn’t work:

Their job, the Hamas officials said, was to stop the rocket attacks on Israel not only from its own armed groups, but also from others based in Gaza, including Islamic Jihad and Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades.

It took some days, but they were largely successful. Hamas imposed its will and even imprisoned some of those who were firing rockets. Israeli and United Nations figures show that while more than 300 rockets were fired into Israel in May, 10 to 20 were fired in July, depending on who was counting and whether mortar rounds were included. In August, 10 to 30 were fired, and in September, 5 to 10.

But the goods shipments, while up some 25 to 30 percent and including a mix of more items, never began to approach what Hamas thought it was going to get: a return to the 500 to 600 truckloads delivered daily before the closing, including appliances, construction materials and other goods essential for life beyond mere survival. Instead, the number of trucks increased to around 90 from around 70.

Israeli officials acknowledged that transferring previously banned goods had been the plan, but said that there was no specific date for the increase and that it was to happen in steps. But the rockets never fully stopped.

Or the explanation could be a lot simpler.

Hamas considers Israel an illegitimate state and is doctrinally committed to its destruction, while Israel views Hamas as a terrorist group that must be dismantled.

The first part is certainly true. The second part isn’t quite right. Hamas is a terrorist organization by definition, not due to some quirky Israeli “view.” Terrorist organizations that are committed to one’s destruction are not reliable good faith partners for anything. And yet:

Yet each needs the other to hold its fire. That is why negotiations over another truce have started, again through Egypt.

When does trusting Hamas become a farce?

Maybe Israel doesn’t need another truce.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad.