Schlaglicht Israel Nr. 11/10 Aktuelles aus israelischen Tageszeitungen 02. – 14. Juni 2010 1. Die Blockade des Gazastreifens Die gewaltsame Übernahme des mit Hilfsgütern für die Bevölkerung des Gazastreifens ausgestatteten Schiffskonvois durch die israelische Armee ist international auf scharfe Kritik gestoßen. Sowohl in den USA als auch in Europa riefen Politiker dazu auf die Abriegelung des Gaza-Streifens aufzuheben bzw. zu lockern. Seit der Entführung des isra­elischen Soldaten Gilad Shalit schränkt Israel die Ein- und Ausfuhr von Waren in den Gazastreifen ein. Nach der Machtübernahme der Hamas im Jahre 2007 wurden die Maßnahmen von israelischer Seite weiter verschärft. Während Israel die Blockade zur Eindämmung von Waffenschmuggel als notwendig bezeichnet, werden im Ausland insbesondere die negativen Konsequenzen für die Zivilbevölkerung kritisiert. Die israelische Regierung kündigte lediglich eine Lockerung der Blockade an, zugleich werden in den israelischen Medien die Vor- und Nachteile einer Aufhebung sowie alternative Möglichkeiten im Umgang mit der Hamas diskutiert. It’s time for real disengagement “The‘flotilla affair’ offers a good opportunity to complete the disengagement from the Gaza Strip […]. It's time to sever the last ties of the occupation and leave Hamastan to its own devices.[…] Israel would inform the international community that it is abandoning all responsibility for Gaza residents and their welfare. The Israel-Gaza border would be completely sealed, and Gaza would have to obtain supplies and medical services via the Egyptian border, or by sea.[…] This isn't pleasant, but it is legal. A sovereign state has the right to close its border.[…] Instead of arguing with the international community, it should tell it: You want Gaza? Fine. Take it.” Aluf Benn, HAA 02.06.10 A shared strategy “Hamas rules Gaza with a heavy hand, brutally suppressing its political rivals and gradually imposing harsh Islamic religious law.[…] For Israel, Gaza is an Iranian missile base situated three kilometers from the nearest Israeli town and 60 km. from Tel Aviv[…]. But Israel and Gaza cannot be separated. Five functional sectors link them: commerce, energy, water, environment and health.[…] Hence Israel cannot declare that what happens in Gaza no longer interests it.[…] The solution Gaza needs will only arrive when Hamas rule ends. That can only happen by means of a joint strategy coordinated among Egypt, Israel and the PA.[…] Gaza must return to legitimate Palestinian rule and cease serving Iran’s strategic interests.” Ephraim Sneh, JPO 09.06.10 Israel’s policy has strengthened Hamas “Since the unilateral Israeli decision to[…] impose a full economic siege on Gaza, more than 1,000 tunnels have been operating. The direct result has been the empowering of Hamas and the filling of its coffers. Through the control of the underground economy, Hamas has remained in full control over the territory.[…] The only group not hurt by the siege is Hamas and its supporters.[…] Israel’s policy has empowered Hamas and has weakened the working class.[…] Hamas is stronger and richer and Israel is isolated and condemned by the international community.” Gershon Baskin, JPO 07.06.10 Lift needless Gaza siege “Israel must lift the Gaza blockade, which is motivated by vengeance alone.[…] Israel is acting foolishly and wickedly. To use a slang term, the blockade aims to‘screw them over.’ Screw a million and a half people, most of them innocent, in one of the poorest and most crowded places in the world. […] If we continue on the same path, we will create, 1