UNRWA chief on charm offensive

Note that the UNRWA is directly under the general assembly, which is run as a direct democracy of nations without any formal protections for minorities. The General Assembly discriminates heavily against Israel. Many feel the existence of the UNRWA, an organization exclusively for Palestinian refugees which defines Palestinian refugees differently from all other refugees and which does not aim to resettle them, is intended to prolong the conflict. (cf.) He is clearly being diplomatic and vague, but even the gesture is itself interesting. Where he is clear, it is remarkable.

In one appearance, he says,

Talking about sanctions and boycotts is not going to bring about anything positive

There's also an interview posted at Adi Schwartz (with much commentary from Schwartz, an Israeli journalist) which is somewhat critical of the UNRWA, itself, of Hamas, and of Gazan society.

“We shouldn’t exist after so many years”, says Ging, “and I perfectly understand the Israeli negative view towards my organization, because it is the manifestation of the political failure of the international community to resolve the conflict. Our 60th anniversary was not a moment of celebration but a commemoration of failure because we should not have had to exist after 60 years”.

If this is the manifestation of an underlying problem, then surely that problem is the widespread failure to recognize that Jews have the same rights to self determination as other peoples.

Not promising

Ha'aretz reports:

Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniyeh said Friday that the Islamist group would not stop smuggling activities in the territory.

Of course, arms smuggling would break the ceasefire agreement, but Israel will be blamed. Israel will be the first to use actual violence, most likely as a justified and carefully staged police action. Then Hamas will commit acts of terrorism claiming Israel is to blame for breaking the ceasefire. Westerners will probably line up according to their pre-existing sympathies without concern for nuance. Or am I just being cynical today?

Update: Unsurprisingly, Islamic Jihad is launching Qassams from Gaza. Palestinian supporters will claim any attempt to stop it is a violation of truce. Is it any wonder Israel's supporters often claim Israel is denied any right to self defense?