By Briana Booker
Can Palestinian and Israeli civilians non-violently resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? It’s an age-old question.
Do I believe it’s possible to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Yes. I believe a peaceful conflict resolution is the only means of resolving the conflict.
To resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the civilians will need to show empathy for multiple perspectives.The civilians will have to let go of mutual annihilation and embrace collaboration.
There’s no such thing as a one party imposing peace solution. It’s going to take a real team effort to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Civilians must prove to community leaders that achieving peace is more cost-effective than escalating violence.
World leaders respected by Middle East civilians will need to express their preference for peace.
Palestinians will need to humanize themselves more to the media, especially western media.
What do I mean?
Those in favor of the Palestinian cause of an independent, thriving statehood cannot use any form of violence in the name of Palestinian civil rights and human rights. No suicide bombings. No attacks on Israeli civilians.
Those in favor of the Palestinian cause will need to think outside the box to gain a moral upper hand.
There are ways to make a former enemy a friend or at least be on friendly terms.
It takes apologizing even when you deeply don’t feel you are completely at fault.
It takes letting go of generations of grudges.
It takes explaining why hatred is no gain for any group involved.
More importantly it takes actions towards peace.
Utilizing even-handed public opinion is one of many conflict resolutions for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
If the Palestinian non-violent movements have the majority approval of the west, it will inspire Israelis to come to a mutual compromise with Palestinians. Remember, Israel receives monetary funds from the west ( including military funding).
If Palestinians participate in non-violent movements obstructive to Israeli authorities, positive social change can happen.
Water resources could be key components in emphasizing the importance of non-violent resolution. Both sides need the profit that comes from a well structured water system and the water resources are life essentials.
The non-violent path will not be easy. People will lose their lives in the name of universal human rights. Nothing worth it comes easy.
Collaboration & dominance over public opinion in media could develop a path to economic and social recovery for not just Palestinians but the Arab world.
This is power. This is legitimacy.