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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 OPINION 
8

Gaza Blowup Could've Been Avoided: Carter

Agreement on aid crossings would've prevented recent violence

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(Newser) – The destruction being visited upon Gaza could easily have been avoided, Jimmy Carter writes in the Washington Post. The former president, during visits last year, saw both the effects of Hamas rockets on Israeli communities, and the misery and malnutrition caused by the Gaza blockade. He details his own efforts, and observes that improved living conditions in Gaza would make peace infinitely more likely.

But though the rockets stopped last summer after a deal to let in more humanitarian aid, Israel only ever allowed about 20% of normal levels of supplies through, and broke the ceasefire when it attacked Hamas tunnels in Gaza on Nov. 4. Carter pushed an extension of the ceasefire in mid-December, and Israel would only agree to allow 15% of normal supplies through—which Hamas rejected, leading to the current violence.

Former President Jimmy Carter addresses students and guests at the American University of Beirut, Dec. 12, 2008.
Former President Jimmy Carter addresses students and guests at the American University of Beirut, Dec. 12, 2008.   (AP Photo)
In this Jan. 3, 2009, photo, smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on an area known to have smuggling tunnels in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt.
In this Jan. 3, 2009, photo, smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on an area known to have smuggling tunnels in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt.   (AP Photo)
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The hope is that Israel, Hamas and the United States will accept another cease-fire, at which time the rockets will again stop and an adequate level of humanitarian supplies will be permitted to the surviving Palestinians.
- Jimmy Carter

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IN RESPONSE:
PaleRider
Jun 16, 09 3:05 PM CDT
Carter betrayed Israel during those visits and he is a danger to the Middle East peace efforts now ith his juvenile interference. He screwed up Iran and now he wants to do the same in Israel. Some of us have never forgotten what an all time terrible President this loose cannon was. Double digit un-employment, inflation, high cost of energy, loss of our embassy in Iran. He has shamed this country and himself. -Corona_king
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Shannonals
Jan 8, 09 3:21 PM CST
Why is anyone letting Carter put his two cents in anyway? It's not as if he has any effect on world affairs, this includes his time in office Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Jan 8, 09 4:54 PM CST
You are so full of bullshit.
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Ryan
Jan 8, 09 11:28 PM CST
Jimmy Carter the WORST PRESIDENT IN MODERN HISTORY. Who the hell cares what he thinks, oh that's right Hippies. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Caps
Jan 9, 09 9:55 AM CST
No, can't agree with you Ryan or corona, GWB has been the worst....
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