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Israelis and Palestinians: More Conflict to Come?

Coincidentally, the Palestinians have just sworn in their new Government whilst the Israelis have just concluded their election. That said, the signs are not good for how things will play out in the future.

BBC News reports on the Palestinian swearing-in, and the consequences of that, and how it should be viewed, here.

Meanwhile the AFR this morning reports the following in relation to what was said at the swearing-in:

- Hamas law-maker Hamed Bitawi said: "The Koran is our constitution, jihad is our way, and death for the sake of God is our highest aspiration".

- Hamas Minister of Information Youssef Rizka said: "We cannot recognise Israel. The land of Palestine is ours and not for the Jews". Not words one would attribute to people attempting some sort of resolution with Israel.

On the other side, as far as the Israelis are concerned, if they do proceed with a unilateral determination of what is Israeli land and what is Palestinian [probably creating some sort of diconnected Swiss-cheese situation] - ignoring international law, continuing the occupation, UN resolutions and just common sense and fairness - it does not bode well for the future. The "fight" will go on for years to come - to the detriment of both sides.

All "players" in the Middle East - Israelis, Palestinians, the Americans and the EU - will have to accept the realities "on the ground" and seek some sort of accommodation between the various interests. As it looks now it may well be a pipe-dream.

Meanwhile the US has banned its officials from having contact with the Hamas Government - as reported here in The Guardian. It is difficult to see how that is going to help things in either the short or long term.

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