planet earth looks blue

There is finally a pause in the Middle East conflict as Hamas announced a cease-fire, just hours after Israel announced one.  Neither side ever spoke with the other, nothing was negotiated between them.  Both sides announced unilateral cease-fires, daring the other to continue being the aggressor.  Fighting spilled over the timing of the cease-fires by both sides, but as of now it as stopped.  

Israel claims that they have accomplished what they had set out to do, and will pull out of Gaza within a matter of days.  The Palestinians want the Israel to leave, and its borders to be opened so humanitarian aid can enter the country, where more than 1,200 are left dead, and thousands more wounded.  Abu Marzouk, the senior Hamas official in Syria announced the Palestinian cease-fire.  

Meanwhile, international forces were coming together to discuss the fighting.  Both Egyptian President Mubarack and French President Sarkozy joined by the Red Sea just before the cease-fires were announced.  As well, Israel is to meet with a coalition of western leaders.  

Where is the United States as the smoke clears?  Well, Obama, as soon as he is actually made President on Tuesday has committed to stepping in.  Hopefully the fighting won’t begin again at all and this situation won’t be so volatile.  Israel has however announced that it is ready to retaliate should any Gaza militants attack in any way.  

So now we are to wait and see if the peace will last.  If leaders will act strongly enough to stop another conflict from breaking out before the sparks start flying again.