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by Sameh Habeeb

The Israeli Palestinian conflict is the hub of conflict in the Middle East and throughout other parts of the world. A solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must entail dialogue and buy-in by both Palestinians and Israelis.

Frustration from Palestinians stems from a feeling of invisibility, that our welfare has been ignored by the Israel and its western allies. There is widespread awareness that the Israeli government has ignored UN resolutions calling for a two-state solution. Many Palestinians view Israel as having snubbed the Fourth Geneva Convention and other humanitarian accords.

It is difficult to build consensus for peace in a land which is subject to a suffocating siege in Gaza and the Apartheid Wall in the West Bank. The reality for many Palestinians who do or would accept a peaceful coexistence is not perpetuated by a lack of freedom of movement and fundamental access to life needs and medical treatment!That begets much frustration.

As a young Palestinian, I want a peaceful coexistence but not without more humane recognition by Israel of me and my country. I’m no different than you: I want the some human rights enjoyed by citizens of the free and civilized world.

I firmly believe that Israel must end its occupation of the West Bank as a precursor to reaching a two-state solution. Now as ever, time is the most critical since President Abbas is very ready to negotiating peace.

I was hopeful something positive would come out of the summit in Annapolis only to be shocked by the Israeli government’s continuation of construction of West Bank settlements and tightening of the siege imposed on Gaza. And that’s not to mention the daily incursions into West Bank cities and continued humiliation of Palestinian people at checkpoints.

In Palestine: Gazans under siege seek Conflict Resolution

I don’t know whether I believe the Israeli government is serious about negotiating peace with the current Palestinian leadership. I hope I’m wrong. Perhaps something good will come from behind-the-scenes negotiations— that’s about all the hope I can cling to.

I wrote and produced a video program addressing conflict and resolution. It’s like BBC Hardtalk but the station and the stage are in Gaza.

My next two videos include a debate regarding stereotypes surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They address each side’s perspective regarding just how to achieve peace. These were videotaped and done in Palestine, the besieged Gaza strip. The three characters are Palestinians: Sameh Habeeb as the broadcaster, Ayman Quaider as the Palestinian representative and Said Jerbril as an Israeli representative.

Hardtalk: Conflict Resolution in the Middle east by Sameh Habeeb, Part 1

Hardtalk: Conflict Resolution in the Middle east by Sameh Habeeb, Part 2

Via: Sameh A. Habeeb

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