There will, quite simply, never be peace so long as theocrats are armed. Hamas -- and its principal supplier, the theocratic regime of Iran -- must be disarmed.

Of course some one will speak of Hamas' having been 'democratically' elected. That is a red herring. Civilised governments are not 'democracies' simpliciter; they are *liberal* democracies, i.e., democracies constrained by fundamental rights, including the right not to pray in a mosque or wear a scarf over one's head. Legitimate democracy and intolerants' mob rule are not to be confused.

Again, disarm Hamas, disarm Iran, completely. There will simply be no peace until theocrats everywhere are disarmed.

Maynard, London, UK

Calling for a ceasefire in the middle east is rather like praying for snow in hell. I just wonder if Islam and democracy can be expected to mix.... If Malaysia is anything to go on, I guess it can. But where else?? Sometimes I get the feeling that certain types of Muslims can only live in peace if they are subjected to very strict and powerful government or even harsh dictatorship. Certainly, election results don't seem to decide anything.

John Murphy, Bournemouth, UK

I find it somewhat disturbing that the Muslim world is noticeably silent as Palestinian fighting escalates between its governing factions. Where are the cries of indignation at the senseless loss of Palestinian life? Why are armed Palestinian groups not being accused of war crimes against their civilians (a charge so often levelled, rightly or wrongly, against the Israel Defence Forces)? Does the unquestioning solidarity for their Muslim brothers and sisters not extend to situations where Muslims kill fellow Muslims?

I can’t seem to decide what is the greater tragedy – the loss of life or the hypocrisy.

J Stone, London, England

Palestinians have no one to blame but themselves for this infighting. They are killing each other instead of resisting the Israeli occupation. I think the people should remove these leaders and chose someelse who is capable of bringing to this misrable part of the world.

Obviously, they cannot form a government together, and hence the US has funded and armed Fstah against Hamas because last year's Hamas election victory was unacceptable to both US and Israel.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

This is an example of how the US & Israel win by playing sub-groups of natural allies against each other. Hamas & Fatah do and should have more in common with each other than either has with Israel or the US, however... the divide & rule principle still holds true and so Israel and the US manage to avoid finding a lasting solution to the 'Palestinian problem' and maintain their advantageous status quo.

Ad, Nottingham, UK

So where are all the trade unions and lefti trendy ' intellectuals from the great seats of british learning any volunteers for peace keeping I thought not lead from the back eh what.

Gutless and SPINELESS giving to moslem pressure shame on you.

Yesh, London, england

Sadly there will be no peace until Hamas is removed from the political process.
We are seeing yet again what happens when Islamist extremist become involved with politics and how they want to push their ideals, for them there is no compromise.

I would not be surprised as well if Iran is backing Hamas to make this push.
A lot of the problems of the Middle East are to do with the fundamental Islamist groups who really want to create a theocracy :(

A Sturgeon, London,

The EU should call for a cease fire and return to barracks.
The type of fighting is typical of the lack of discipline in the Palestinian ranks.

David Nigel Braham, Milan, Italy

This brutal factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah will lead the country into the abyss of uncertainty. This is an burning example of how much cruel human beings can be for the sake of power.

kyaron, bhaktapur, nepal

I have finaly discovered the reason for wearing the bourka .So that the big butch warriors of Fatah can escape from Gaza from their Hamas brothers dressed in drag.

james hazan, huddersfield, west yorkshire

They are animals

Omar, Whaktir, Jordan