http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15361312
The Palestinian and Israelis put aside their fighting for a few moments to exchange prisoners. The Israelis released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one Israeli solider. The amnesty promised the release of over a thousand Palestinian prisoners. I believe this is a small step for peace in the Gaza Strip. Although in the article, it states that correspondents believe that the swap is not going to have a major effect on peace talks, I believe the opposite. This agreement to release prisoners and set aside differences for a few moments is a step towards peace.
Nayela Hoda
Friday 9am
I also hope that this a small step towards peace. However, as shown in the past, it may just be a "show" both sides want to look like they are attempting to make peace by showing they can conduct prisoner swaps and cease-fires but it all comes down to how the politicians and media will use this. If the politicians are only using this to make it appear like that are making steps towards peace just to gain favor within the UN I think things will fail in the long run as the other side realizes it was not a real attempt at peace.
ReplyDeleteAlexander Chorak
Friday 9 AM TA: John
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been going on for decades now and the international community is always be fooled into thinking that the two nations might be on the verge of peace. However, these actions never end with both sides agreeing to find a solution. I am overwhelmed with joy for both sides because in a way it was a victory, but its not solution to the problem. The UN, as we've seen, is useless in this situation. All the attempted solutions fall through the cracks and everyone just watches as the solution process goes back to step one.
ReplyDeleteChahinda
Ryan 9am
While this conflict has been going on for many years, it would be nice if this was a step towards peace between the two nations. In this one instance, these two nations were able to put aside all the other nonsense and agree to help each other. However, we should not jump to conclusions that this is could change the relations of the Israeli's and Palestine. We can not ignore the past, and to be honest I don't see a solution for this problem anytime in the near future. For me, there needs to be more of an effort than prisoner swaps to convince me that these two can in fact work towards more peaceful relations.
ReplyDeleteErica Carlson
TA: Ryan
Friday 9am
This is going to be a good step towards peace. If even its only for a little. This exchange hopefully will not only be a cause of peace for the Gaza Strip but an event of admiration that the rest of the world will look at and attempt to continue to hope and push towards peace. If there is going to be a permanent peace between the two countries its tough to say. I personally do not think that this event alone will create permanent peace but it is without a doubt a stepping stone. I look forward to what else can be done for peace and progress in the future.
ReplyDeleteTyler Coleman
TA: John 11:00AM
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think what this agreement shows is that the Israelis and Palestinians can make peace when they want to. Peace is an option when both parties are willing to work towards that peace. I don't think this exchange is a huge step towards peace and I don't think it will be the start of a new peace process. As hopeful as I am about peace being found between Israel and Palestine, I believe peace will only come when both Israel and Palestine truly believe in peace.
ReplyDeleteMike Milstein
TA: John