One step closer

The UN Security Council has voted for a cease-fire which surprise - the US did not veto! For once the US did not block a resolution that involves Israel. Everyone is sighing with relief ... at least we're moving one step ahead. Now it's up to Israel and Hamas to accept it. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/08/gaza.security.council/index.html

The relative silence of the Arab states, Lebanon's refusal to be drawn into the conflict, Egypt's tacit alliance, the US's refusal to veto .... all seem to point to something wider and deeper than what we are told or know. But for us living here, that doesn't matter: all we want is peace; no more bombings and killings. Just let us live normal lives.

Today is Friday but it is not as tense as last Friday. People are going about their own business, soldiers are everywhere on alert but the presence is less obvious. Let's hope things will turn out for the better.