Scotsman
Crispian Balmer
PRO-Palestinian activists hoping to sail to Gaza this week expected their flotilla to be blocked by Israeli marines. Instead the mission was holed even before they put to sea - by Greece.
The diplomatic manoeuvring that snarled the Gaza initiative pales in comparison with the behind-the-scenes tussles surrounding a unilateral drive by the Palestinians to secure United Nations' recognition of statehood this September.
While Israel has won this first round, the stakes will be much higher in the months ahead, with the possibility of chaos in the Palestinian Territories if politicians mess it up.
"Gaza is just a prologue to a series of events that we will see heading into September," said Yoram Meital, professor at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "If we cannot find a way for a resumption of serious peace negotiations then we will face a completely different environment and a very risky context."
Israel earned widespread criticism last year when its commandos boarded the first flotilla heading to Gaza, which is run by Islamist group Hamas, killing nine Turkish activists in clashes on deck.
In an effort to shore up waning support, Israel subsequently went on a charm offensive, reaching out to Turkey's historic foe Greece and proposing a series of military and business tie-ups.
Athens welcomed the overture and the friendship has paid dividends for Israel, with Greek authorities pouncing on flotilla ships preparing to leave its ports this week and keeping them in harbour.
Crispian Balmer
PRO-Palestinian activists hoping to sail to Gaza this week expected their flotilla to be blocked by Israeli marines. Instead the mission was holed even before they put to sea - by Greece.
The diplomatic manoeuvring that snarled the Gaza initiative pales in comparison with the behind-the-scenes tussles surrounding a unilateral drive by the Palestinians to secure United Nations' recognition of statehood this September.
While Israel has won this first round, the stakes will be much higher in the months ahead, with the possibility of chaos in the Palestinian Territories if politicians mess it up.
"Gaza is just a prologue to a series of events that we will see heading into September," said Yoram Meital, professor at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "If we cannot find a way for a resumption of serious peace negotiations then we will face a completely different environment and a very risky context."
Israel earned widespread criticism last year when its commandos boarded the first flotilla heading to Gaza, which is run by Islamist group Hamas, killing nine Turkish activists in clashes on deck.
In an effort to shore up waning support, Israel subsequently went on a charm offensive, reaching out to Turkey's historic foe Greece and proposing a series of military and business tie-ups.
Athens welcomed the overture and the friendship has paid dividends for Israel, with Greek authorities pouncing on flotilla ships preparing to leave its ports this week and keeping them in harbour.
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