Violence by the terrorist organization known as Hamas or the Islamic Resistance Movement rises to the level of ISIS in Iraq. The escalation of fighting began with Hamas launching rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel and deliberately executing three Israeli teenagers including an American. In response to this provocation Israel started launching air strikes into Gaza in July.
President Obama has reluctantly sent over 1000 troops to Iraq to counter ISIS the al-Qaeda offshoot that is marauding through Iraq and has ordered over 100 air strikes. However Obama is not treating Hamas similarly. Instead Obama wants Israel to recognize Hamas as part of a Palestinian government and negotiate cease-fires. Israel does not like agreeing to ceasefires because Hamas uses the period to prepare for more fighting. Hamas has violated at least 11 cease-fires so far.
Writing for the Jerusalem Post Michel Gurfinkiel states Western leaders fail to recognize the similarities between the Islamic State and Hamas."
Read the rest of the article at the Selous Foundation for Public Policy Research