Israel fears Hamas might blow up Rafah--rachel

1. Israel fears Hamas might blow up Rafah
Jerusalem Post
By: Yaakov Katz
April, 10th
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1207649975502&pagename=JPost%2 FJPArticle%2FShowFull


2. In this article, Hamas is threatening to breach the boarder between Gaza Strip and Egypt. Egyptian troops went near the Rafah crossing after the militant Islamic group announced its threat. In January, Hamas blew holes in the border wall, and tons of Palestinians came into Egypt un-checked for 12 days. Hamas also smuggled out weapons and other explosives. It was thought that Hamas was planning to blow up the border wall this past Thursday, but due to the attack on Wednesday where three Israelis were killed the bombing was delayed. Hamas’s lawmaker stated that the situation is Gaza is, “no longer bearable.” Egyptian police said that they had discovered a large cache (hiding place) of explosives and weaponry. This underground place showed signs of long term use and contained 1,250 kg of explosives and 24 anti-tank mines and assault riffles. Egyptian troops were put on high alert near Gaza as a result of the threats and discovery of weapon and explosives.


· Impact of interaction among and within major societies, is an AP theme that relates to this article. A powerful Islamic group is threatening to bomb Egypt's border and blow it up.
· Background info: Hamas, the largest militant Islamist group operating in the Gaza Strip and West Bank believes that the whole of Palestine including Israel belongs to Islam. Their goal is to establish an Islamic Palestine state in place of Israel by any means possible. United States calls Hamas a terrorist organization Israeli leaders on the other hand have always claimed that the entire land of Israel including the Palestine territories belongs to the Jewish people. United States supports Israel.
· The article seems to be written by someone who might be involved in the situation, but doesn’t seem to be on a side. The author shows views from both sides of the situation and uses quotes from various people.
· In the article, the writer seems to not be choosing a side or supporting either end. But the article talks a lot about how Hamas is a strong group that only wants to break down the border. They also talk about how they found an underground cavern with all weapons. Some people might read this and think that Hamas is cruel group that is violent when others will interpret it as they should fight for there land and their not doing anything wrong.
· A point of view that would be helpful in this article is from Hamas group members or leader. If you have their opinion you might be able to understand their reasoning and why they believe the land is theirs.
· I think that what is happening at the border is something that will never be resolved because the fact that they are fighting over land. They will never be able to come to an agreement, and if they do it will take years more of fighting and cruelty and deaths.