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The border crossings between Israel and Gaza have become a central tool in the struggle against Hamas in the years since it took over the Strip. Security circles claim they have solid proof that Hamas is using raw materials and "innocent" products for the creation of weapons. In addition to the security arguments, Israel makes it difficult for goods to enter the Gaza Strip as a means of punishment and as pressure on Hamas every time it disturbs the peace. Recently Israel added food products, such as pasta, and building materials, such as glass, which are needed for repairing the many buildings destroyed during Operation Cast Lead, to the list of prohibited goods. The experience from the war in Lebanon and the territories should have taught the decision makers that collective punishment of the civilian population is not merely not moral, but also harmful. The residents do not turn their anger against Hamas but rather against those who prevent the food from reaching their child...

Summary: Israel is not doing it out of the goodness of its heart, of course. The U.S. and Israel have signed an agreement to prevent Hamas re-arming itself . Egypt would play a large part in closing down smugglers' tunnels going into Gaza. Israel also wants to keep troops in Gaza after the halt, as an occupying force. The IDF is continuing its claim that the invasion is justified; to prove this, it has let reporters see a supposed Hamas launch site . It has yet to co-relate the launch sites with the 86% civilian casualties in Gaza. Complete Article JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli leaders are leaning toward declaring a unilateral halt to their offensive in the Gaza Strip instead of entering into a formal, Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli political sources said on Friday. Such a move could deprive Hamas of political gains from a truce deal that would include the easing of Israel's blockade on the coastal enclave, home to 1.5 million Palestinians. Israeli official...