Hamas and Israel Seek To Maintain Gaza Peace

Months after the Egypt-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, both sides seek to maintain peace in Gaza for political and other motives, writes Hazem Balousha.
Members of the Hamas security forces and United Nations international experts prepare to destroy the remains of ordnance from an eight-day conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in 2012, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 25, 2013. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CONFLICT) - RTR3E9UU
Members of the Hamas security forces and United Nations international experts prepare to destroy the remains of ordnance from an eight-day conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in 2012, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Feb. 25, 2013. - REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
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Hazem Balousha
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After the Egyptian-sponsored truce was forged between Hamas and Israel, the situation in Gaza returned to the status quo that existed prior to operation Pillar of Defense, which was launched against Gaza in November 2012.

While the ceasefire prevented rocket fire on Israeli towns, there was no change regarding the blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave.

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