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[quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele]It is common for resistance groups to organize in cells so that if members of one are captured they cannot provide information about other cells. When Hamas previously agreed to a truce, Hamas itself observed the truce fairly well. There were problems with other resistance groups (there are several groups other than Hams in Gaza). Hamas willingness to reign in those other groups was inconsistent. Part of the problem was that there were frequent Israeli provocations. Of course, each side always blames the other and it is nearly impossible to sort out. But, Hamas was less willing to act against other groups when Israel was being belligerent.

The ceasefires have had fatal flaws in them in that they allow Israel to continue searching for tunnels. Israel is not supposed to expand the ground it holds, but if it sees a tunnel running beyond its current territory, will likely follow it. So, clashes are inevitable when Hamas fighters and Israeli military bump into each other. Neither side is simply going to offer the other tea. 
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No, there will not be tea.  I don't believe Hamas can be a partner for peace. But even if I am wrong, consider that there are other actors in Gaza who do not want peace and who could try to sabotage a deal between Hamas and Israel.  Islamic Jihad comes to mid, but there are others.

It may seem inconceivable from a western perspective, but fighters who believe in jihad welcome martyrdom; in an interview with moderate Syrian opposition fighters, the had this to say about the Islamic radicals (some of whom joined ISIS):

"They love death."

Such a dedicated opponent is difficult to negotiate with.  If Israel can't eliminate Hamas, hopefully they can weaken them enough that the people of Gaza will find other/more moderate leadership finally.[/quote]

Hamas has shown that it is able to abide by a truce. If Israel would not constantly weaken it, Hamas could better control the radicals. But, as I've said before, if you rule out negotiations, you are only left with war as an option. This is the trap that Netanyahu is currently in. He has promised to "finish" Hamas. But, the only way to do that will be to kill nearly the entire population of Gaza. The world won't let him do that. So, he needs to figure out how he can stop without Hamas being finished, yet be protected from domestic opponents who will knife him in the back at the first opportunity. It's ironic, but Netanyahu is actually more likely to be a victim of this conflict than Hamas.
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