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Religious fanaticism must sooner or later reach a deadend, just as it is happening in Gaza. Extremism in any form is counterproductive, and those that continue aimlessly on the same path can achieve nothing other than widespread death and destruction.

Religious fanaticism on the part of Hamas, whose agenda excludes the safety and wellbeing of its own citizens, can achieve nothing in return.  Ironically, the majority of its leaders are in hiding, leading their soldiers to confront Israel’s military superiority without any concern for the civilians that shield them.  But many of Gaza’s civilians are not altogether exempt from  blame.  They do not think for themselves and are brainwashed in the belief that it is required by Islam to resist and die in the process — a short cut to paradise where their souls would enjoy the bliss of eternal happiness. 

Hamas is fighting a losing battle and the leaders are not stupid enough to believe that, in due course, their goal to destroy the State of Israel will be achieved.   Being shielded by unarmed citizens, however, serves a dual purpose:  It elicits sympathy from the international media when citizens are killed, and influences the United Nations to force a ceasefire before Israel could complete its mission. The strategy has invariably worked to the advantage of Hamas, in previous conflicts.  This time,  Israel is determined to continue, undetered by any hue and cry on the part of sympathizers around the world.

Perhaps, in the wake of the current conflict,  the people of Gaza would wake up and realize that their real enemy is not Israel but those who have used them as pawns to be sacrificed on the alter of a religious war that is proving to be self-destructive.