The year 2008 marked the 60th year of Israel’s return to its ancient homeland. The year also marked 60 years of violence by those terrorist groups and Arab and Muslim nations that want Israel destroyed.

The latest rocket attacks by Hamas and Israel’s retaliation are just the latest in a war that will end when one of three things occur: Israel destroys its enemies (which is unlikely given the population difference); Israel’s enemies destroy Israel (which is more likely given the pressure on Israel to make concessions with no reciprocal expectations by its enemies); or the Lord Jesus Christ returns. While that last one is a certainty on a date uncertain to us (but not to him), we are left to deal with things as they are in a fallen world.

Israel was within its rights to respond to Hamas, which hides among civilians and is known to use them as human shields for the propaganda value. They will not be negotiated with. Their stated intention is to destroy Israel and rid the land of every Jew possible. How do you negotiate with that? Meanwhile, the teaching of hate proceeds in Palestinian schools. Nothing changes.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.