The pursuit of peace is obviously a worthy impulse. But it is extremely hard to achieve peace when some who would most benefit from it seem to prefer endless and senseless violence.
Just prior to the most recent peace negotiations in Washington between Israelis and Palestinians, four Israelis – including a pregnant woman – were mercilessly gunned down in their car in an ambush in the West Bank.
The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas enthusiastically claimed responsibility, and thousands of Palestinians joined in appalling celebrations of the brutality. Hamas disgustingly labeled the murderers “heroes.”
Some Palestinian leaders have condemned the attack, and we do not say that every Palestinian believes that such slaughter is justified.
But so long as Hamas exerts heavy influence among so many Palestinians, it is hard to see how ongoing peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians will be very productive.