Media cool on Gaza ceasefire

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7837317.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Newspapers around the world give a pessimistic response to the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands are now homeless

Commentators express various opinions on who was to blame for the conflict, with some arguing Hamas has emerged the stronger for it.

Others consider the effect of international diplomacy on achieving the ceasefire and urge Arab states in particular to unite against Israel.

ISRAEL'S JERUSALEM POST

We are sensitive to the heart-rending loss of innocent life in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead... The blame for their deaths rests solely with Hamas. Hamas provoked this war and then fought it from behind Palestinian men, women and children.

NAHUM BARNEA IN ISRAEL'S YEDIOT AHARONOT

There will be no disengagement and also no occupation. Gaza will always be a bone in Israel's throat... From time to time fire will break out and remind us and them how painful the connection can be.

AKIVA ELDAR IN ISRAEL'S HA'ARETZ

The price which must be paid as a result of the Gaza crisis is extraordinary Indonesia's Kompas The twilight hours in Washington, when one administration is packing its bags and the other has yet to move in - is a once in four or even eight-year opportunity for the Europeans to take centre stage. Today the Europeans bothered to come here [to Jerusalem] to launch the Gaza ceasefire. Tomorrow they will come to remove us from the West Bank.

BASIM ABU-SUMAYYAH IN PALESTINIAN AL-HAYAT AL-JADIDAH

The temporary suspension of the Israeli war... was not forced on Israel as a result of the intense resistance... Rather, it was imposed by the legendary steadfastness of the people of Gaza, international pressure and diplomatic efforts.

PALESTINIAN AL-QUDS

The heroic steadfastness and great sacrifices that Gaza presented should form an incentive for a Palestinian and Arab move to unite Palestinian ranks and urge the international community to end the occupation and establish the independent Palestinian state.

MUHAMMAD SHAKIR ABD-AL-LAH IN PALESTINIAN AL-QUDS

It is sad that even if this aggression were to end - and it is bound to - the outcome will not satisfy the Palestinians. The reason for this is that Palestinian and Arab divisions will allow Israel freedom to move at any moment to attack the Gaza Strip, with or without reason.

AS'AD ABUD IN SYRIA'S AL-THAWRAH

The closure that Israel wanted for this war is not to claim that it has achieved its goals... but rather, an attempt to destroy the overarching idea in the Arab mind that resistance is the solution.

RA'UF SHAHURI IN LEBANON'S AL-ANWAR

It is only the beginning in Gaza, not the end... It seems Israel was not able to accomplish the mission on time [ie before the inauguration of US President elect Barack Obama], so it declared a unilateral cease-fire... This is an open invitation and provocation for the resistance to resume fire.

IRAN'S MARDOM SALARI

Not only has Hamas not been annihilated but in many countries of the world, their flag and signs are at the door and being held aloft. No Hamas members have been arrested, missile attacks on occupied lands have not stopped, no tunnels has been discovered and destroyed and Mahmud Abbas has not only failed to be supported but is today the focus of anger for the Palestinian nation.

FERAI TINC IN TURKEY'S HURRIYET

The Israeli government, which took the [ceasefire] decision, immediately announced victory... Can it be a victory to be the hero in a war where children are killed the most? Because of its policies of violence Israel is losing out for the second time after Lebanon [war of 2006]. Hamas also claims it is the victor and boasts of having pushed Israel to a ceasefire... But can something that has been won over hundreds of dead bodies prove to be permanent?

PAKISTAN'S EXPRESS

After bombarding excessively for 22 days... Israel announced a unilateral cease-fire. Hamas, on the other hand, has rejected the cease-fire and pledged to continue resistance until there is a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The time has come for Muslim rulers to avoid compromise and take a clear strategy. If they do not try to stop Israel, they will become its target one by one.

INDONESIA'S KOMPAS

The price which must be paid as a result of the Gaza crisis is extraordinary... Even though Israel unilaterally announced a ceasefire... the dangers of war have yet to vanish... The 22-day battle has caused trauma, revenge, anger and frustration among the Palestinians, which only adds hostility and hatred.

<I><A href="http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk">BBC Monitoring</A> selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.</I>