US, UN, EU and Russia urge immediate Gaza truce

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Yahoo / AP

UNITED NATIONS – Key world powers trying to promote Mideast peace urged Israel and Hamas on Tuesday to immediately stop fighting in Gaza and southern Israel, the United Nations announced as international efforts to calm the conflict picked up pace.

The Quartet of Mideast peacemakers — the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia — appealed "for an immediate cease-fire that would be fully respected," U.N. deputy spokeswoman Marie Okabe said.

The statement came four days after Israeli warplanes started bombing in Gaza, targeting Hamas-related installations and homes in an attempt to force a halt to militant rocket attacks on towns in southern Israel.

The Quartet also "called on all parties to address the serious humanitarian and economic needs in Gaza and to take necessary measures to ensure the continuous provision of humanitarian supplies," Okabe said.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081230/ap_on_re_mi_ea/un_u...

[bemildred]

1. They need to do more than "urge".

This is classic empty blather.

[Sultana]

2. Won't happen, Israel and Hamas refuse to cool their heads

Hopefully, there will be a cease-fire soon, inchallah.

But I won't hold my breath.

[daleo]

3. First time I have heard the U.S. call for a ceasefire

I am not sure that Israel wants to go for a ground assault anyway. That's when they might start suffering significant losses.

An air war against a city without air defenses is extremely safe for the attacker, but after a while it starts to look like simple butchery to most people. After 300 to 400 deaths and probably 1000 injured, we must be nearing that point.

[bemildred]

4. It's a problem.

I mean what if you invade and you lose? And attacking an enemy that has had time to prepare, on his own ground, well, it's not a slam dunk.


Edit: and urban warfare really does suck in the most futile kind of way.

[daleo]

5. Yes, the last Lebanon war showed how difficult the ground war can be

I don't think Israel wants to take a chance like that again, but sometimes events take on their own logic.