As Gaza bleeds

CIVILIAN deaths have topped 1,000 in Gaza, yet the possibility of a truce — breathing space for rational thought — remains desperately uncertain. Hamas and Israel appear content to exchange blows as the casualties mount.

Leadership and restraint by Israel is overdue. Having picked the fight, not without provocation, Israel has all the power on its side and is best positioned to leverage strength and diplomacy.

The Associated Press reports Egypt is trying to promote a 10-day truce that leaves Israel's forces in place and brings in international observers to monitor Egypt's border with Gaza. This is the flash point for weapons smuggling, which was part of Israel's rationale for a military response nearly three weeks ago.

The segue from truce to a lasting cease-fire moves Israel out of Gaza and ends a crushing embargo of commercial goods. Muslim religious leaders injected a tiresome complication, with a declaration that purchase of Israeli goods and trade with Israeli companies were forbidden.

Any respite from the bloodshed should be used to resupply a hungry population and restock medical supplies from any available source.

The unwillingness of the United States to do much more than hold Israel's coat is a bitter disappointment. The relationship between the two countries is strong enough for a friend to tell a friend when it has gone too far. At the same time, the U.S. does not have to embrace Hamas to engage it via diplomacy.

The long-term welfare of Palestinians and their reality as a persistent impediment to regional peace ought to be a higher priority.

Watching the broader Arab community fiddle and fumble over a response — literally unable to decide where to meet and talk — is maddening. Gaza bleeds as its supposed allies fret about appearances.