If the idea of the Hamas attack was to focus international attention on the almost forgotten Palestine cause, it has succeeded in doing so with dramatic and tragic consequences. Fears of a regional confrontation are mounting as Hamas leaders are asking civilians to come out with whatever weapons they have to fight Israel. Palestinians living in the West Bank, Arabs in Israel and around the region could well respond to what is termed a battle of survival. The Israel-Hamas military confrontation can plunge the entire region into a vortex of violence and bring Lebanon’s Hezbollah and other militant groups to the fray. Arab rulers in the region will find it difficult to ignore the voices of ordinary people from the mosques and bazaars, where there is overwhelming support for Palestine.