The never-ending cycle of violence in Gaza

With its latest announcement of settlement expansion in the West Bank, Israel has again demonstrated that any apparently positive statements it makes regarding a two state solution are disingenuous. 

The plan for ‘Eretz Israel’ continues at pace, though one would have difficulty seeing any reference to such a strategy in the Western media. Despite not succeeding in getting rid of Hamas from the Gaza strip, it may suit Israel to continue to have an isolated Hamas regime in Gaza which it can treat as a pariah and use as leverage for continued intransigence on peace talks. The recent moves to a united Palestinian administration, and the attempts by Mr Abbas to have the Palestinian situation dealt with by the ICC or the UN may help bring Hamas to the negotiating table. No doubt Israel will continue to undermine any attempts at a unified Palestinian cause, the ensuing delays allowing it to continue to physically erode the foundations for a viable Palestinian state.

Other current examples of annexation such as those in the Ukraine, Iraq and Syria have brought forth US economic sanctions and air strikes but it seems only mild rebukes are available when Israel carries out an illegal land grab. Thus, any faith the Palestinians have in Western sincerity for its cause is eroded and the message of extremism made more palatable to disillusioned Palestinian youth. All of which ultimately serve to undermine the future security of the Israeli state and so the cycle of violence continues.