The New York Times editorial staff has concluded that the Gaza Strip, “recently evacuated by Israeli settlers,” is “teeming.” The example of the word “teeming” in dictionary.com is: “A drop of water teems with microorganisms.”

Without Israel’s brutal, internationally condemned occupation of Gaza, the editors wonder “whether there will be any valid authority left among the Palestinians.”

The Times continues by warning of an impending “civil war” between these “invalid” authorities, “militant” Hamas (killed one Israeli in 2005) and Fatah (part of the Palestine Liberation Organization).² But they don’t bother to provide any evidence of why such a war is imminent.

The desired conclusion: Inhuman Palestinians are incapable of governing themselves. Their only skill lies in terrorizing Israelis.

The reality is much more complicated. Elections are approaching in both Palestine and Israel, and the outcome will determine a great deal for both nations. Hamas has tempered its hard line, while Fatah has grown severely corrupt. A Hamas victory in Palestine may spur an ultra-militant right wing victory in Israel (i.e. Netanyahu), while Fatah control would not represent the needs of the Palestinian people.

For a realistic examination of these issues, see ZNet and Znet.