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Originally Posted by _Q_
I'm sure it was the wall as well as economic improvement that had to do a lot with what some say is a historic peace between the two sides. But, you also can't discount Fatah's improved intelligence and policing in cracking down on the militants in the West Bank. Since Abbas took over, Fatah has dramatically shifted from being a militant organization into more of a political party.
For us here in the West, it's easy to say "oh look, life is much better for the people in the West Bank since they laid down their arms". The point still stands though that Israel still builds settlements, diverts water, sets up checkpoints and still occupies the West Bank. Yes life has improved, I'm not arguing that, but for the people in Gaza, they see the situation in the West Bank and see it as a failed experiment. Lay down your weapons and you get more of the same stuff. To the people of the Gaza, they probably see the West Bank as a bunch of sell outs since Israel hasn't changed much in the last 10 years or so. Fire rockets at Israel and they remove all settlements. It also worked in Southern Lebanon, why won't it work for us?
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I really disagree. I'd be willing to bet most Palestinians would rather live in the West Bank than the Gaza Strip. Hamas, despite winning one popular election, has done everything they can to destroy democracy in the Gaza Strip. They have systematically shut down all opposition. A pretty good documentary on the disallusionment with Hamas by Vice magazine
I'd also debate your characterization of the West Bank. As I previously stated, the new "settlements" are in confined areas of the West Bank. The majority of the West Bank Like I've already stated, there's really nothing about the history of Jerusalem that gives either side an exclusive claim to build in the area. The ultimate solution is going to invovle a land swap.