Gaza Timeline, at Mondoweiss, with a link to Zvi Bar'el in Haaretz:  Escalation is good for Israel

Hamas' continued preference for diplomatic action in the face of Israel's attacks on Gaza is less than convenient for those who desire an Israeli strike on Iran.

Lobelog: Jasmine Ramsey links to Haaretz

Hours before Hamas strongman Ahmed Jabari was assassinated, he received the draft of a permanent truce agreement with Israel, which included mechanisms for maintaining the cease-fire in the case of a flare-up between Israel and the factions in the Gaza Strip. This, according to Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin, who helped mediate between Israel and Hamas in the deal to release Gilad Shalit and has since then maintained a relationship with Hamas leaders.

Baskin told Haaretz on Thursday that senior officials in Israel knew about his contacts with Hamas and Egyptian intelligence aimed at formulating the permanent truce, but nevertheless approved the assassination.