From humble worker to Hamas leader

SABAH ARABI, HOUSTON,TX — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:19:39 GMT

Well, I am glad that there is somebody that's showing the truth to the world. Haniya was a peaceful man until a zionist killed his Brother (and he is one among thousands killed or captured in Israili jails).
Thank you Mr. Mahlouf for stating that the palestinian violence is a reaction to the Israeli's every day terrorism.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Onlooker, Seattle, WA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:24:35 GMT

Emotions have escalated to such a level that rational thinking has stopped. When the brain stops functioning the fighting starts. After 40 years of media hype and Islamic propaganda the brains do not function much less think rationally. In such circumstances all there is left is a head on confrontation that produces a winner and a loser. In the case the loser cannot lose just a little bit to have peace the loser must lose it all. Arafat lied to his followers, the "Palestinians" are an artificial entity in a struggle of a few leaders who exploit events of psychologically unbalanced people such as Ami Popper. The most damaged goods are the children for they are growing up in a world of violence which can only escalate more until, once again there is a loser and a winner. In the Middle East, for the past 5000 years, Peace is an interlude between wars. Unfortunately the entire world must now endure these stories with breakfast and join in. Very Tiresome. So please fight it out once and for all.If you cannot have coffee and baklava together, walla, fight it out. It is a masochistic state of affairs perpetually fed with the falsehoods of religion. In other words: Insane state of affairs.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

RO in Reno — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:24:47 GMT

A prime example of why violence will not end the violence only exacerbate it.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Ken Bozich, Bloomington, MN — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:25:09 GMT

What a horrible act that killed Ishmail's brother. The only thing that the Jews did to that killer was to kick him out of the army then convict him to seven life terms.
What sort of punishment is doled out by Ishmail's Hamas army for continuously trying to kill Jews by means of rockets? And the Hamas/Palastinian drum beat continues to harp upon how their human rights are violated by the Israeli's. They continuously fight their war hiding behind the Palastinian civilians they claim to protect.
The Jews have tendered reasonable alternatives to war, they just prefer death and misery on the other side to peace and prosperity.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Steve — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:28:00 GMT

A great personal insight. Thank you for sharing it and showing that some jew and some arab truly do want peace.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

SABAH ARABI, HOUSTON,TX — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:28:15 GMT

From humble worker to Hamas leader

andy, los angeles, california — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:29:59 GMT

Israel has made many assertions to justify their civilian killing. By accusing Hamas using children as shield, the Israelis somehow felt they could shed all responsibility of killing civilians. The fact of matter is Israelis bomb killed innocent civilians. It really bothers me when you tried to minimize the significance of killing ONE THOUSAND people. How do you know that majority of the killed were militants? Only uneducated people would believe your story of Hamas using children as human shield. With modern military technology, the Israelis arm could easily produce evidence of human shield if it ever existed. You should stop spreading the lies told by the Israel government.

Why did Israel bomb the U.N. building there?

Why didn’t the Israel army allow journalists into Gaza? Why didn’t they allow international journalists tell the real story behind this attack? If there were human shield, it would have been reported.

Israel wanted to control the media information. They only wanted their version of the story told, nothing else.

It really is ridiculous when Israel claims that most of the killed were militants. Militants in Gaza don’t live in a camp. They live amongst civilians. There is no way that Israel bomb could kill more militants than civilians.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Hangar#8 Kamloops BC — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:31:16 GMT

If only the Israelis would quit building settlements in occupied territories, there might be a chance for peace.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

jason, new york, new york — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:31:27 GMT

I was reading the book “boy in striped pajamas”. A wonderful book, remind me of the horrific ordeals the Jews had suffered under Hitler. Then I look at the situation in Gaza. I couldn’t help but wonder: how could the decedents of people oppressed in WW II impose oppression on the Palestinians? Just look at the terrible living conditions in Gaza. what a tragedy! Somebody do something!!!!

People like Alex Schindler obviously don’t value Palestinians as “regular” human beings. It was totally acceptable to him that more than 1000 Palestinians killed. He would alarm people not to get hysterical when ONLY 1000 Palestinians were killed.

One day, when all the dust settles, capable Palestinian writers will have the opportunity to write their experience of living under oppression. The Israel government and those extremists will regret what they did.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Sami Abbasi, Northville, MI — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:34:05 GMT

This story just proves that violence only creates more extremists. Israel's most recent carnage in Gaza will only create more hatred.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Sheila Vigue, Augusta, Maine — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:35:48 GMT

I pray for peace each and every day between all countries but i know in my heart it will not happen. Some people just cannot let others live in peace a& they are not happy until they become your dictator. During war through all of history innocents are killed and it is sad but until God himself comes back this is the way it will be because people refuse Jesus Christ teachings - love your enemies & do good to those who spitefully use you - only a small portion of the world lives this life! People are so concerned about things, borders around countries, other people's religous beliefs, etc.... why can't people just live & let live - leave me in peace & I will leave you in peace. If Jesus gives everyone a choice to believe or not believe who are we to force any religion on anyone. All this fighting just influences our children to be violent - mayabe all the adults should away from the children and let the children live together in peace (from all nations) and maybe just maybe in the future we would have leaders who look at each other as equals. What does this world have that is worth fighting about and killing innocent people - NOTHING - but if the terrorists keep attacking people and will not listen to reason than anyone they attack will have not choice but to defend themselves - wake up America because once the country of Israel is defeated we will be next because we are both democratic countries and have the ability to defend ourselves. I pray everyday that the Mideast will live with each other in peace but it is the leaders that keep it going - why don't the leaders of these so called terrorists and any country that wants to fight lead their men into battle - no they just sit back & give orders for someone else to risk their lives. Let the leaders on these terrorists show themselves as men instead as mousy cowards - they hide behind the skirts of women and children - they should live in shame for everyone to see! Anyone who befriends countries that give refuge to terrorists is a terrorist and should be held accountable and sentenced as a terrorists - I think we would find a lot of these behind the scens supporters of terrorism in very high jobs dressed in an expensive suit!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Edward Button, Middletown, Ct. — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:38:36 GMT

i AM A wwii vEERAN. i KOW TAT WARS AND VIOLENCE ONLY CREATE MORE WRS AND VIOLNCE. pEACE CAN EXIST ONLY IF PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO LISTENTO TEIR HEARTS AND SOULD. eD bUTTON

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Ben. Wichita, KS — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:38:47 GMT

Note that it was an ISRAELI terrorist who changed him.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

JohnT, New Jersey — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:45:36 GMT

Just shows how peace can be destroyed by the hands of a few crazy people.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

jeani crowe — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:45:48 GMT

The middle east problem is heart breaking for every one. I don't claim to understand it, but it seems to be much like the old south. If a black man committed a crime, all blacks were criminals, if a white man lynched a black man, all whites lynched black people, yet there were many more people who just wanted to live in peacfull tolerance of each other. There voices just weren't being heard. Is the problem here the closing of the border? Has the closing caused fiancial hardship to Gaza? If that's the case why doesnt the rest of the world step in and build industry and markets in Gaza so they don't need the crossing? If the problem is access to Holy sites, why not make special access to those places that allows worshipers in but bars access to any other place? If its a place shared by both Muslim and Jew, split up the hours of access. Start letting people cross the border, but only after they have filled out applications and been investigated and approved, just like countries restrict immigration.Let them in for a day of shopping or worship or just to visit old friends. If an act of terror is perpetrated the entire access will be shut down for 30 days. If lives are taken, the border will cose for a year. Let the Palistinians take the burden of policing terrorists from their side and the Jews to do the same.If a Jew commits an act of terror, they lose access to the Holy sites for 30 days-for 1 year if a murder is committed. There must be some common ground and compromise on each side. Why would these people rather watch children die than get along? Just wondering.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Zara — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:45:57 GMT

So now the war between the Palestinians and Isrealies is fuelled by a bitter and angry Hamas leader. I feel sorry for the loss of his brother, but the actions were those of one crazy man who was convicted of his terrible crime. Now, the Hamas Prime minister is killing everyones brothers to ease his own personal loss. Isn't that just as crazy as the one man who killed his brother?

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Joe Papierz, Deerfield Beach, FL — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:47:28 GMT

If only it were that easy. Men fighting and killing over imagined differences. I really don't think that is what God or Allah wanted for us.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Blanca Navarro-Ben Ali, North Royalton, Ohio — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:49:40 GMT

How sad is it when two people who were like brothers can be torn apart by other peoples hatred? How can we live like this? I am a Christian woman and I am married to a Muslim man. I would never, ever have a better husband than him, so there is no way anyone can separate me from him over religious or political reasons. I wish all Jews and Muslims in the world peace and fraternity as we all are God's children. Please, stop the killings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

cindy , Phenix City, AL — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:50:07 GMT

What a sad state of affairs this is.....two men, one arab, one jew that USED to be close friends, friends who considered eachother family......one deranged jew discharged for the army kills 7 and the whole jewish world must pay? Doesn't make any sense. That is like Osama bin Laden......he says jihad and the whole arab nation takes up arms....why? Cause he says so.
I really don't get it. Why do children, woman and innocent people have to die because a few "men" (if that is what you want to call them) say they all must die. Where is Christ,God, Allah in all of this?
God is not going to keep allowing people to be massacred over and over. I think He would rather start from scratch.
People of the world, you must unite! Bring Peace back into this world of ours!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

jim k — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:53:54 GMT

I wish that the Israelis and Palestinians could work things out but I fear that it will not soon happen. Both are completely blood thirsty idiots who want the other eliminated. The US should just quit supplying either with guns and money and let them battle it out.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Fnam Lnam, NY, NY. — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:56:05 GMT

Dear: Try to help your friend Haniyeh to have a home state like yours. You know that his home country is Palestine. If you think that all humans should have the same opportunities, then Palestinians need not be massacred by using all kinds of weaponry. they need the vision of ex-president Bush of 2 states. What the Palestinians need is with the state of Israel, justice demands your willingness to give what is not yours peacefully instead of the ongoing cycle of violence and hatred.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Maggie, North Pole, Alaska — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:01:55 GMT

This is a wonderful story. Hopefully, Ismail will read it. It isn't the Jews who killed his brother, it was one man who hated and killed. Don't punish everyone else for what one man did.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Vish Singh, Queens, NY — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:03:58 GMT

The world is indeed a small place. I guess the loss of his brother triggered his hatred for Jews. Time did not heal his wound because of the constant conflict between Gaza and Israel. Much of the hatred on both sides is fuelled by the loss of family and friends and I see no ending to this. Danny Mahlouf advise is sound, as an old friend, but the beard part should not be mentioned.
I hope the Us can now help in bringing lasting peace to the Arab world although I am not too optimistic.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Jonathan, Dublin, OH — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:04:17 GMT

How many of Ismael haniya, is Isreal going to create? I have recently seen images of BRUTALITY and distructions of GAZA and it sadens me.
And i could see the whole army of GAZANs and Palestinians are standing up because one of their love ones being died in this war or due to blockade, no food no work.
Everything has its peak, after that its a down fall, and injustice never prevail.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Shelley Salem — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:08:46 GMT

Historically, more people have been killed in the name of religion than for any other reason. Perhaps religions should be banned and eliminated under penalty of death? How would people get along then?
This case proves how shallow and brainwashed people are in worshiping their religion before mankind. What ever happened to perspective and moderation in all things?

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Edwin in Pa — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:09:29 GMT

Ismail's boss is a Jewish carpenter.

I hope there will be a lasting peace, but history tells me otherwise.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Joseph Fattal — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:11:59 GMT

Good start. Now let the plasterer from Ashkelon go the house of Ismail and start plastering some walls.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Tariq Bashir — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:16:04 GMT

I wish it was as simple as this story is.
I find it hard to believe that Mahlouf and/or his family did not see Ismail before he became PM. In fact the Ismail was on TV all the time, reported as a target by the Israeli for many years before he became PM. To me its a PR stunt.
Being a Muslim, been living in the US for almost 20 years, my firm believe is that the issue of Palestine is purely nationalism, not religious. Affinity with your country as "motherland" has a deep meaning in itself.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

sihem, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:17:28 GMT

What a ridiculus story! Please stop propaganding. It is not working anymore. You made a genocide, you used illegal weapons and you burned babies. Most of the killed people are kids, women and old men and you talk about peace. Stop being hepocrites and liers. You will pay your crimes sooner or later.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Su Du Seatle Wahington — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:21:02 GMT

Let us get real, The Palestenians have for the last 5,6 generations lived in refugee camps, water is so scarse that 99% of it is used on the Lawns for the homes that was built on their lands and occupied by occupiers that came from all corners of the globe, been in total isolation for the past several years, that said Mahlouf's tail to Haniyeh is typical of a comfortable Jew, with no tears,fears, nor wondering where his second meal is coming from.
Why does Hamas (Won Elections from the majority of Palestenians of at least 75% of the votes)not recognize Israel, because Israel does not nor has any intention for a peace settlement, because it will be the loser on the long run, Peace will bring no more Monetary US Aid,(Mlitiary,etc), Peace in the occupied territory will make the likes of Haniyeh (befor you kill their brother,mother,sister,father) content and prosper to a degree that sooner or later their population will out number the occupiers and then it will be a contention. Every time your enemy hits with a stone, you hit him with a rocket, oblireate half of his village, and his people, and then you get the likes of Mahlouf saying we shared,laughed and worked together. Israel stop your troubles, and be content with what you have and if you want to be a good neighbor you have to treat your neighbors with decency, respect, and fairness. I believe this the last time Israel will cry wolf.
Now you do know that Haniyeh is good worker,decent family man,and have a cause. Ask Mahlouf

From humble worker to Hamas leader

SB — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:39:51 GMT

Interesting story, it's worth noting that the writer wrote towards the end, "He wasn’t religious – only later when his brother died" proves that extremists are not born but created as a result of this "unjust" society.

No one talks about the main cause of the problem that is unlimited immigration to all Jews into Israel which needs unlimited land and that is what is causing the problem.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

FUZZYTRUTHSEEKER, Toronto, Canada — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:46:17 GMT

So, Mahlouf was Ismael's boss. Mahlouf killed nobody. Another Israeli kiled 7. He was sentenced to seven 7 terms.

Other Israelis, IDF soldiers this time have killed many, many innocents, including children from a UN school. There will be war crime trials.

Let's wait for justice to take its course.

And leave Haniyeh the freedom to choose the way he wants to lead his life.

Ain't what I am saying logical/ isn't what Malouf is saying balooney?

You be the judge.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Dan — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:48:13 GMT

Stop the occupation of Palestinians lands ,the only problem is Israeli occupation.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Richard — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:48:17 GMT

I have to say, Everyone knows someone who dies. the death may be accidental, natural or pure murder, but to use the death as an excuse to kill more people, that is just an ignorant and weak minded person . It's almost like saying it's ok to kill other people, I won't get involved, but if it's my blood or reletive or friend, than I'm going to perpetuate teh problem and kill too. It appears to me that many of the radical extremists kill out of revenge, not out of defense or necessity. revenge is a weak excuse!! Just like the men and women who kill out of revenge.... they are weak!!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Taher F Rasheed, West Bloomfield, MI. USA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:50:15 GMT

Please send my message to Danny Mahlouf.

Hello Mr. Mahlouf,

Salaams.

I pray for peace between Israelis & Pastinians every moment of every day.

I also understand and value very highly the freindship
and working relationship you both had fostered based on trust.

This trust was shattered by Israli dishonored soldier
who killed innocent seven Palastinians.

I am a very proud citizen of this great country on the earth, the USA. If one kills seven innocent people he will get life sentence. In your country this heartless, barbarian, cruel Israeli was dishonorably discharged. Is this the type of justice
your country men and your Court of Justice believe in?

Israelis kill innocent Palastinians regularly. Israel robbed Palastinians of their homeland, destroyed them, killed hundreds of children holocaust style.

I highly respect you, your views on trust and friendship. But unless a majority of your country men and your political leaders start beleiving in
justice, value of human life, love and freindship
the peace between your country men and Plastinians
will remain my dream.

Mr. Malhouf, may I advise you to send a similar message to your political leaders you have sent to your Palstinian friend.

I pray that Almighty Allah inspire both sides to attain peace via respect for each others right to live
in their homeland with security, safety and without any breach of trust.

This holy land of yours, Muslims and Christians will shine like sun in the world if all sides work their differences out.

Bombing and rockets will never bring peace that you I
long for.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Bob Manke — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:56:03 GMT

intense bigotry is destroyed by humanization of the hated group. intense bigotry is a contageous disease!
I am a stone mason and I am sure Haniyeh must have feelings for his old boss. how can we go back, even over the top of the awful rubble with the dead, and have the friendship neighbors are capable of? With forgiveness, only the higher intelligence of forgiveness can release our energy to heal up to each other and quit all these murders. our friends, the Jews, claim to be of God? fine. settles who will forgive first, doesn't it? Israel must forgive first. Not because it is fair that they do. You don't know what to do with fair. Leave that all to forgiveness.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Edward Thomas, Needham, al — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:56:46 GMT

It is amazing how events in life sends people in different directions on life. And it amazing how we, as all people do, feel that we could have changed things if I where there when the event had taken place. People use that one reason, and blame another group, for their pain that was brought about because of the event to cause someone of that group the same pain. Not the particular one that was hurt you, but their group. Yet to know someone day, understand they are going to change some day. Let just hope for a positive change!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Spunja, Atlanta, Ga — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:59:56 GMT

That was a nice insight. I didn't know Ismail Haniyeh's story.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

RK Sharma, Traveling in the US — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:04:02 GMT

very moving in a way ... shows that people-to-people contact can be so beneficial in times of conflict. peace could be won by even one person making an emotional appeal ... i think and hope such stories give us hope!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Richard, Los Angeles — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:13:31 GMT

The Israelis want the Palestinians to "stop making problems"? You mean like destroying a city's infrastructure and killing hundreds of Palestinian children in the span of two weeks?

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Riaz, Seattle — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:14:14 GMT

One terrorists, Ami Popper, created another one, Ismail. Cycle continues, until the day America gets enough courage to say enough is enough.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Dave, Texas — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:17:44 GMT

Nice story - it's amazing how perspectives change when it's personal.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

alan ben david — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:20:11 GMT

after reading this it is clear thet Hamas is built on revenge, nothing more. Hamas needs to realize that life would be better for all with peace. Gaza is yours! Make what you can with it! Israel will help if you can find a way to make peace. Peace is the way! Not confrontation! Ismael, why not send your kids to the Technion for education. With peace, that is possible. Your desert can bloom with peace, not rockets. It all makes sence; however, it i only a dream!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

bountiful, vancouver, Wass — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:22:14 GMT

wow, the power of hatred ! not satisfied even though his brother's murderer is behind bars in Israel. Hahiyeh believes vengeance is his, this saith Hahiyeh.
The old eye-for-an-eye really speaks !

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Ken Blauman,Wenatchee WA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:22:44 GMT

Great story! About time the media should have this story everywhere. But I suppose that wont sell.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Gary Pepe, Redding, California — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:37:07 GMT

Tell Ismail that here in the United States, there are people from all over the world. One day, a minority student at Virginia Tech University opened fire and killed 33 promising young students. That doesnt mean that because of one sick individual that every minority is now an object of hate. We have to move on, for hate will consume us all.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Hazem Awni Jarrar, Jenin, Palestine — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:39:54 GMT

My message to Danny ... tell your israeli PM to stop killing Palestinian children ... stop voting for israelis who committed massacres of Palestinian children and women ... look at history ... each and every israeli PM elected by te israelis has committed masscres against the Palestinians ... israeli love masscres of Palestinain children ...

Life without freedom is no life at all !!!!!

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Spunja, Atlanta, Ga — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:41:57 GMT

That was a nice insight. I didn't know Ismail Haniyeh's story.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Ron Berkeley, CA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:43:46 GMT

A one state solution is the answer but not an apartheid state. A state where everyone has equal rights with each person having the right to vote and not being forced to live in a walled off ghetto that is systematically bombed or houses being demolished. There are no rockets being fired from the West Bank yet life there continues to get worse for anyone who is not a settler. CBS 60 minutes had a courageous report this weekend which is just the tip of the iceberg on how bad things are:

www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4752349n

Also US foreign policy is not going to change so don't expect things to get better, the Obama position is already clear:

www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/20364

From humble worker to Hamas leader

tony, Fairfax VA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:46:38 GMT

Oh yeah, we all want peace now that we took your land, and become our slaves, and we can say when you can work in what use to be your land, and when you can not.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

F, Edmonton, Canada — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:52:48 GMT

Civilian attacks on both sides are wrong.

But Israel is given a free reign to kill and plunder while Palestinians are asked to turn in their guns and be sacrificial lambs.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Bolivar Atanasio, Northridge, California — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:54:15 GMT

The significance of beard growth is not to be overlooked. Having a a generously grown facial cover has meaning for both the Israelis'and the Palestinians. More so for the strict followers of Islamic conservatives. For those who want to know the reason(s), there is not enough space for me to expand on the subject.You will have to perform a bit of research and I believe you can realize insight from your research.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Mike in NYC — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:54:33 GMT

"On May 20, 1990, an Israeli, Ami Popper, who had been dishonorably discharged from the army, lined up Arab workers in the road in Rishon-le-Zion, and killed seven. One of them was Haniyeh’s brother. " And the world wonders why some Palestinians want the complete separation of jews and Arabs. Looks like some suicide bombers and extremists may not be as crazy as the media paints them out to be.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

James — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:55:26 GMT

It would be great if someone could send this article to the heads of state in the area, as well as the pricipal. But when hearts get hardened it is a challenge for them to soften, unless a person is willing. The answer is Jesus Christ, but that is to come. We must pray for both sides and their politicians.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

AHMED — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:15:43 GMT

As seen the story,I noticed that Mahluf is a very good friend of ismail, but as things happened, or happening for his brothers and many of his relatives, friends,or his country that also needs or important to know, Not only from his side, from Isreal too.His friends like Mahluf and international community should give a special care not to give up or leave this matter as what maybe happened for both sides specialy that poor innocent palatines /Israelis. All there are humans not animals simply leave like its happening now.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

paul kahn — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:21:42 GMT

Wouldn't it be nice if we could make all our problems go away by just saying "stop it!". Unfortunately the problems of the world are just a bit more complicated to be resolved with a simple phrase, like "just say no to drugs".

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Fed up, ny ny — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:22:27 GMT

I guess Palestianain blood is cheap. Not to mention that life for a Palestianian laborer in Israel is like a dream come true for the average Palestinian (kingdom). It makes me have a bigger appreciation for the Mexican's in the United States. I pray hard for Palestinians to gain what people in America take for granted. Most Israelis consider themselves above anyone who is not Israeli. If you don't believe, go see for yourself. Even Americans with U.S. Passports get treated like crap. They treat Americans visiting Isreal as enemies.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

John, Boston, MA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:30:03 GMT

Now that you have slaughtered 1150 Palestinians (450 children), you have just created thousands of future militants.

The next time you want to simplify an onslaught and add a romantic touch to it, make sure that you come up with a more creative story.

Give the Palestinians the land you have stolen from them, and none of them will brow a beard ever again.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

LesG — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:32:41 GMT

Just like a typical Israeli!! And just like the typical inaccurate, misleading media story re: the Israeli-Palestinean dispute.

Neither Danny Mahlouf, quoted in this report -- or Martin Fletcher -- the NBC news correspondant writing this report -- point out that:

1) Gaza was occupied by the Israeli army all during the time -- the 1980's -- that is involved in Danny Mahlouf's story re: employing Ismail Haniya. In fact, Israel invaded and occupied both the Palestinean populated Gaza Strip and West Bank in June 1967, during the "6 day war" -- and only left Gaza after numerous Palestinean uprisings and Israeli dead in 2002. The Israeli army still occupies the Palestinean West Bank. Other than the conquest, Israel has no legal basis for that occupation. And, further, in the Israeli occupation zones, Arab Palestineans have very limited political, economic and legal rights. Those rights that Arab Palestineans do have are inferior to and subservient to the rights of Jewish Israelis.
2) Most of the Palestineans believe that this was -- and still is -- a continuation of what happened in 1948 -- when Israel was founded. Basically, in 1948, what had been part of "Palestine" for over a thousand yrs became the new state of Israel.
3) the Palestineans -- incl Hamas -- are now pushing for a "one state solution" -- meaning that what is now Israel, the West Bank and Gaza would be joined together to form one state / one country. It wouldn't matter what it is called -- Israel or Palestine. What would matter is that every Arab Palestinean and Jewish Israeli wishing to move back to their country -- the new "one state" -- would be welcome. And what also would matter is that one state would be governed under majority rule in a democracy.

For the Jewish Israeli's -- this solution would not be acceptable because they would lose political and military control over the new state. Arab Palestineans, combined with Arab Israelis, would be a slight majority of the population in the new state. With Arab birth rates much higher than Jewish Israeli birthrates -- that Arab majority would increase over time -- meaning perpetual Arab majority rule in a democracy in that new "one state."

Instead -- what Danny Mahlouf wants, -- like most other contemporary Israelis and biased, myopic media types like Martin Fletcher -- is simply to go back to the way it was in the 1970's and 1980's -- with Israeli's in political, military and economic control over the Arab Palestineans thru occupation, no Arab resistance, and both Arab Israeli's and Arab Palestineans treated as second class citizens of a "Greater Israel."
4) the only realistic alternative to a "one state" solution is the "2 state solution" -- that is a Palestine, made up of Gaza and the West Bank, coexisting and having normal political, economic and trading relationships with a state pf Israel. That is the solution that the US Govt, the UN and the European Union has been pursuing since the early 1990's. For that solution to work -- the Israeli's MUST withdraw their occupation Army and their Jewish Israeli settlements and population from the West Bank. Every single Israeli Govt. -- incl the current Olmert Govt. -- has refused to do this -- thus making the "2 state solution" impossible to achieve.

That is the reason the Israeli-Palestinean dispute continues to result in violence and bloodshed every few months to every few yrs. Because the Arab Palestineans -- whether thru Hamas, or the Fatah-controlled "Palestinean Authority" -- refuses to allow the current situation -- which has existed for the past 41 yrs -- to continue without Palestinean resistance.

Fondly remembering the days of Israeli occupation of Gaza in the 1980's -- from a Jewish Israeli perspective -- is NOT going to change any of that -- and is not going to bring peace and peaceful coexistence anytime soon to Israelis and Palestineans. Reaching an agreement both can live with will.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Derek T — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:32:57 GMT

According to every study ever done, the majority of Israelies long for peace. They speak of it, vote for it, plan for it, and work toward it. The same studies tell us, the majority of Palestinians want the destruction of Israel. They speak of it, vote for it, plan for it, work toward it. Emotions can aid in the accomplishment of great things, but only when they are led by wisdom and facts. Wisdom cannot follow where emotions lead, because emotions have no sense of direction, or logic.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Fed up, NYC — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:37:47 GMT

For the true story about Palestine, rent, download, or buy "Occupation 101"

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Jaleed Pauolo Phoenix, AZ — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:44:58 GMT

Golda Meier summed it up best: "When the Palestinians treasure the lives of their children more than they hate the Jews, there will be peace"

From humble worker to Hamas leader

David Cohen, Niskayuna, New York — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:51:02 GMT

The only "palestine" was a political construct made by England after they defeated the Ottomans. The Jews were given 7% of it; the rest went to Jordan (the West Bank), and Egypt (Sinai and Gaza). The ARABS that lived in Israel left in 1948 at the behest of the Arab Nations, to allow them to throw the Jews out (remember, there have been Jews living in Israel for 3500 years- the Muslims have been there for 1000)- there were no Palestinians, as ther was no Palestine after the partition by England. Israel conquered the West Bank from Jordan- the Arabs living there were Jordanian; and the Gaza from Egypt- the Arabs living there were Egyptian. It's amazing that these people are barred from entering Egypt, or Jordan by those respective governments- why should Israel be responsible? Hamas was elected by a majority of Gazans, as a known terrorist organization whose clearly stated goal was NOT peace, was NOT allowing transit of humanitarian aid, was NOT the opening of the border, but WAS AND STILL IS the obliteration of the Jewish presence in the entire land of Israel, to which end they shot rockets and mortars on a daily basis, from civilian areas in Gaza, into civilian ares in Israel. If the Mexican or Canadian government did that to the USA, or Germany did it to France, or Iraq did it to Iran, the recipients of that shelling would not tolerate it for several years before retaliating, as Israel did.
By the way- all of you talk about the displaced "Palestinians"- what about the oce 800,000 Jews displaced from the Arab countries over the last 60 years (in addtion to the hundreds of thousands murdered in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, etc), and who are still persona non grata in those countries- what reparations for them? Shouldn't they be allowed to get their homes and property back? Arabs are allowed to go into Israel, and ISRAELI Arabs have the same rights as all Israelis- but as a Jew, I would be hard-pressed to get a visa to enter most of the Arab countries. Hamas, and groups like it, are spewing hatred all over the world- you sow what you reap.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Michael Tucker, Geraldine,Alabama — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:55:03 GMT

There is a simple solution to the problem in Gaza. that solution is, don't fire rockets into Israel. The Palestinians need to learn the Iran and the rest of the Arab world could careless about them and their cause? They use the Palestinians to needle Israel with because they know Israel in more than they themselves want to deal with. Simple solution, no more rockets, no more invasion or bombs.

From humble worker to Hamas leader

D. Hlady — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:57:13 GMT

What a chance we all have to really listen to one another and hear what we have to say. I have learned so much by reading this thread. It is not a new argument by any means for people to not get along.But let us become more aware. Let us do what we can starting where we are to listen and love one another. Peace starts with each one of us. (Whether we live in the Middle east or not)

From humble worker to Hamas leader

Michael Tucker, Geraldine,Alabama — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:09:35 GMT

I hear a lot of bleeding hearts for palestinians, how many Israeli brothers and family memembers were killed my palestinians suicide bombers before this nut case out of the Israeli army did what he did. The palestinians will not themselves do what they want Israel to do. They judge a nation by the act of one man, every action recieves a re action fire a rocket get a bomb, fire a rocket get a bomb, and the war goes on.