Gaza flotilla: no way to peace

Last week's interception of six ships in the "Gaza flotilla" by Israeli security forces led to a pitched battle and the deaths of nine people.  One disturbing aspect of this event is the blurring of distinctions: the flotilla was both an aid mission taking relief supplies to beleaguered Palestinians and an act of political defiance by activists seeking to undermine Israel's blockade of Gaza. 

The Israeli and Palestinian positions are so deeply entrenched it is hard for either side to see any action by their opponents in anything other than the most negative light.  Both sides are engaged in “competitive victimhood” which is used to justify their hardline actions and responses.  Deep and lasting hostility leads to “demonization” of the other, whereby Israelis fail to recognise the common humanity of Palestinians and vice versa.

This conflict won’t ultimately be ended by a political agreement – which so far has eluded the most valiant attempts by international leaders and mediators.  Sooner or later it must be brought down to personal reconciliation of relationships between Israelis and Palestinians, and between their respective international supporters.