Carrot and Stick or Outright Win: Hamas Gains Perks After Gaza Fighting

Hamas likes to boast to the Palestinians: The rival Fatah party is always negotiating but has nothing to show for it, while Hamas has much to show from “armed struggle.” The latest example: Word from Israel that the area off the Gaza coast where commercial fishing is permitted, and the array of goods allowed to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Crossing, have both been expanded. Israel says the permissions are directly tied to security: The quieter it is, the more benefits Palestinians get. Hamas says the benefits were won on the field of battle. Previously, Israel reopened its borders to patients from Gaza who need lifesaving treatment and started allowing international journalists and foreign aid workers to enter Gaza via Israel.