Page 42 - Purple Butterfly Book 2
P. 42

Date:
 Since the Palestinian Authority could not stop Hamas’ and other groups’ attacks and Israel refused to help, the Oslo Accords were broken, which began the second Palestinian Intifada in 2000.
Israel only withdrew its forces in 2005. After that, Hamas greatly increased their influence in the Gaza Strip, surpassing its main rival, the Fatah (an extension of the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas). In 2006, parliamentary elections were held, and Hamas won, which was a huge surprise for the rest of the world. Fatah, however, refused to give up control after the election, which created a violent confrontation between the Fatah (which is backed up by the USA) and Hamas. This led to the expulsion of many of Fatah’s members, and ended up with Hamas governing Gaza Strip, and the West Bank staying under Fatah’s control. Afterwards, Israeli military surrounded much of Gaza, trying to weaken its leaders and drain its resources. This blockage prevents the Gazans from leaving Gaza, and from food, medicine and other goods to enter. Hamas fought back with rockets. Though a mutual agreement was made in June 2008, for a 6-month peace, Israel continued their blockade on Gaza, and Hamas answered back with more attacks. The truce expired on December 19, and Israel only tightened the blockade. A week later, Israeli forces started bombing Gaza, which has killed hundreds of Palestinians.
What about now? Horribly enough, the blockade continues to this day. Because of international pressure, Egypt and Israel released the restrictions on Gaza slightly halfway through 2010, and the Rafah border from Gaza to Egypt partially opened. Crossing is meant mainly for people, but not for supplies. Israel also announced that civilian goods, such as food would be allowed to pass, but anything that could be used as a weapon would not. In early 2011, the UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) said that Israel must fully remove the blockade, and allow movement between Gaza and the West Bank through Israel. Until today, nothing has changed. The people from Gaza are still being blocked out by Israel, and inside the blockage the city continues to crumble, and construction materials are not allowed inside.
This is a typical example of how two different sides view their own version as the truth. They can only hope that both countries decide to, finally, make peace with their neighbors, and live in harmony side by side, but, this will only happen if brave, intelligent people care enough about it to try.
unit
     What do you think?
Form groups.
Discuss with your classmates your opinion on what you just read. Try to find a solution to the conflict.
Each team should present their solution.
Remember, it is important to respect each team’s point of view.
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