Quote by Christopher Hitchens
Half the published articles on Gaza contain a standard reference to its resemblance to a vast open-air prison (and when I last saw it under Israeli occupation it certainly did deserve this metaphor). The problem is that, given its ideology and its allies, Hamas qualifies rather too well in the capacity of guard and warder.
Summary
This quote highlights the dilemma faced when discussing the situation in Gaza. While many articles liken Gaza to an open-air prison, the quote suggests that this metaphor is valid, but with an additional layer of complexity. The Israeli occupation is mentioned as a contributing factor to this characterization of Gaza, but the quote also points to Hamas, the governing authority in the region. It implies that Hamas, due to its ideology and alliances, plays a significant role as both the prison guard and the one being guarded in this context.