Just read this news story : Israeli tanks 'enter Gaza' after deadly clashes
Looks like fighting has flared up once again in the Gaza after 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants. Another incursion by the Israeli army could be imminent in retaliation for the deaths. Tanks and bulldozers are already moving close to the town of Khan Younis. Is peace ever a possibility between Israelis and Palestinians? My heart says yes but my head says no. It appears hatred of either side is ingrained into the people at a young age, particularly for Palestinians.
Last week I saw an episode of the excellent Dispatches series on Channel 4 called 'Children of Gaza' (Link to programme here). The film-maker follows three children as they try to rebuild their lives and instil some sense of normality after the recent three week war of 2008. Their lives wrecked beyond belief. One boy is interested only in avenging the death of his father, - shot as he innocently confronted troops firing at their home - and as soon as he's old enough will join the militants. A girl, whose family now live in a tent after the bombing destroyed their home, would rather die as a martyr than continue living. These children have deep mental and emotional scarring which is aggravated further as living conditions worsen within Gaza. (Image taken from a photo gallery of the youngest casualties in the Gaza war by the Guardian.)I can see no hope of peace from the Palestinian side if they are not allowed to rebuild their infrastructure and economy. This is impossible while Israel's current blockade of the Gaza strip is in effect. The environment within Gaza is a breeding ground for hatred and animosity and until this changes, Gaza will continue to produce terrorists/resistance fighters for generations to come.
