Opinion of the Gaza Blockade?

[ingemann]

I'm guessing that everyone voting FB are a Islamist who want Israel destroyed and the Jews driven into the sea. Because the Gaza Blockade is a horrible compromise between occupying Gaza and lot blockage it, both which would be preferable for Israel and the Palestinians. The only people winning with the blockade are Hamas and other extremist Muslim groups and of course the Israeli Right.

[ingemann]

It helps with security in Egypt, Israel and West Bank.  They would rather not have to do it, but it's necessary at this point in history.

That anyone could seriously vote FB I find it horrible.

Almost as horrible as the people that side with Hamas and ignorantly call Israel an "apartheid state".  And no, you non-reading asshats, I don't think Israel (or Egypt) is perfect.  No state is.  If you can look at the history of the area and come to the conclusion that Israel is the biggest bad guy in the group than you're a funking moron and probably a little racist.

The blockage is unfortunate, but it ain't going anywhere until the assholes in Gaza stop being dicks.

The blockade creates a state of emergency which enhances Hamas's power, as they are seen as the only entity willing to stand and fight for the people of Gaza. If the blockade was removed and the economic situation were allowed to normalize, support for Hamas would thin.

how many deaths would that cause in the mean time?  Many Gazans would die in the ensuing exchange of fire.  You know how this goes.  You know what the casualty numbers and ratio will look like (because one side wants as few civilians hurt as possible, while the other side wants as many civilians dead as possible, they don't even care which side).  I don't know how to get the keys away from the bigots in Gaza, but letting them potentially rearm easier might not be the best course of action.

(admittedly the blockade only slows down the rate of routine tantrums, but slowing down is better than not slowing down)

Why should Hamas care about their own civilians, the Israeli reaction help them staying power and help them gain both international and domestic support, and it's not like Gaza suffer from having to few people, it's the only resource Gaza have and the crushing poverty Israel help upkeep ensure that there doesn't become fewer of them.