ICG calls for ceasefire in Gaza, proposes actions for both sides

THE INTERNATIONAL Crisis Group (ICG) yesterday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, followed by an indefinite ceasefire, a commitment by Hamas to end arms smuggling into Gaza, the deployment of international monitors to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and the opening of Gaza's crossings with Israel and Egypt.

The independent conflict prevention and analysis group argues its proposal could be successful because of sequencing which would give both sides their key demands. This contrasts with the French plan for a 48-hour humanitarian ceasefire rejected by Israel .

In a 30-page brief, the Brussels-based ICG demanded an end to the launching of rockets and mortars into Israel by Hamas and allied militia, and a halt to all Israeli military attacks and a withdrawal from Gaza. Egypt would co-ordinate with international bodies to interdict weapons bound for Gaza, while Gaza's goods and passenger crossings would be opened with an EU presence and co-ordination between the Hamas authorities in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank .

The ICG regards the hostilities as a conflict neither Israel nor Hamas wanted, which "turned into war both are willing to wage" and holds that multilateral intervention could bring it to a close.

"Only international action by parties viewed as credible and trustworthy by both sides can end this [conflict] before the human and political toll escalates or before Israel's land incursion . . . turns into a venture of uncertain scope, underdetermined consequence and all-too-familiar cost."

The ICG points out that among the unexpected perils of Israel's offensive are "radicalisation" and "regional polarisation", the discrediting of "moderates" and of the "peace process" (which Palestinians regard as fruitless and moribund), and massive loss of civilian life in Gaza or a large number of Israeli fatalities if a Hamas rocket struck a vulnerable installation.

The ICG urges prompt action by Europe and other actors: "Third parties should pressure both sides to immediately halt military action." It holds that sustainable calm cannot be achieved by "ignoring Hamas" or by trying to pummel it "into submission".