Window on Israel: A campaign that sizzled

We began reading in the press last week about the IDF's preparation for a Palestinian effort to break through the border from Gaza and into Israel. This was against the background of their destroying the southern border crossing, and pouring by the tens of thousands over several days into Egypt.

Palestinian aspirations were for upwards of 40,000 school children and others to join hands in a human chain from the southern to the northern boundaries of Gaza. The purpose was to call international attention to the suffering of Gaza under the Israeli blockade. Organizers said that it would be a peaceful demonstration, but the Palestinians themselves said that some groups were planning to break through into Israel.

It did not happen.

Perhaps 2,000 children and others participated. The human chain was missing numerous sections, and did not stretch from the south to the north of Gaza.

It rained heavily on the day set for the event.

Hamas did not cooperate. Some weeks earlier, Hamas turned out hundreds of thousands for a celebration of its anniversary as a movement. Its incentive then was a food package provided to those who would appear, and a threat for those who expressed reservations. On this occasion, something kept Hamas from using its money or its muscle.

Commentators reported that the thin turnout reflected Gazans having tired of the Hamas regime, and the suffering associated with it.

Israeli officials warned the Palestinians that they would not tolerate a breakthrough at the border, and arrayed considerable force in the event of an effort. Government ministers said that the IDF and police would employ non-lethal means of crowd control, but that no one would be allowed through in any case. A day before the planned event, the IDF moved tanks and artillery into position, along with thousands of police and soldiers. Newspapers on the morning of the demonstration showed pictures of snipers positioned where they would have a shot at anyone planning to reach Israel. From all the signs visible to the Palestinians, non-lethal force would be only the first line of defense.

Demonstration organizers saw success in their failure. It was their first effort. They learned. There would be other efforts, more successful than this.

Israelis agreed that there would be other attempts. They also learned the advantages of clarifying their own intentions. Massing armour, artillery, soldiers and police is expensive, but worth the price if it persuades the Palestinians that a charge against the border would not be worth the risks.

Television crews and journalists from around the world had assembled at the border crossings to record the mayhem. There was nothing to broadcast, except for pictures of a demonstration that did not happen.