The terrorist actions of Hamas against Israeli civilians were horrific and appalling. These sick acts of violence, rape, torture, and cold-blooding killing have rightly been condemned worldwide. There is absolutely no justification for these terrible atrocities.
Palestinians have many justified grievances against the Israeli state, not least the way people living in Gaza have been restricted and attacked. Since the 6-day war in 1967, Israel has exerted its authority and made life intolerable for those in Gaza.
The actions of Hamas this week have done nothing to help Palestinians living in Gaza. Instead, they have increased the suffering and bloodshed.
Hardliners in both Israel and Palestine are in control, which makes the prospect of peace or a lasting resolution to the conflict in the region seem a distant prospect at this stage. Whether it is a two-state solution, a one-state solution with power sharing, or some other construct, there needs to be a way that Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. Until this happens, this conflict will destabilise not only the Middle East but the whole world.
Reports of Israeli troops building up troop numbers on the border with Gaza are deeply troubling. Such an escalation of violence would see a significant death toll on both sides and another generation of hatred both in Israel and in Gaza.
Nick Kelly 