An unsolvable problem?

Israel and Palestine have been fighting for more than half a century now, since Israel was created. The problem seems unsolvable, as violence breaks out regularly despite any peace proposals. Furthermore there is no clear solution in sight. In the past several years, a new element has been added, complicating this already complicated region, as now Hamas, a more radical group controls the Gaza strip, and Fatah, the more moderate group, the West Bank. Now Israel has attacked the Gaza strip.

This humanitarian disaster must be controlled. According to the BBC, "Palestinian medics say 879 people have been killed during the 16-day conflict. Thirteen Israelis have died." Just today, "Palestinian sources said 29 people were killed across Gaza on Sunday - 17 in Gaza City.
Israeli officials said at least 12 rockets were fired by Palestinian militants into southern Israel." Furthermore it is only going to get worse as the day goes on.

The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the conflict, a ceasefire. And if either side would agree to it, it would be a good thing, however it would not address the fundamental causes of the conflict and would only be a short term solution.

The most likely hope for a reasonable solution to this conflict will come from some of the moderate Arab nations in the area. They have an interest in maintaining stability and have credibility with both sides. There are multiple plans out there, one of which, the Syria-Qatar-Turkey plan has already been accepted by Hamas, according to the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper.

This plan calls for cease-fire from both sides, the Israeli army and Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli army from the Gaza immediately, return to the truce agreement signed back in June between Hamas and Israel, the formation of a special committee to open the crossings into the Gaza Strip, an international conference of donors to rebuild Gaza.

Obviously this plan favors Hamas, but perhaps this plan, or some elements of it can be used as a starting point for negotiation that may ultimately lead to a settlement.

Ending this conflict itself is a worthy enough goal, however, a more long lasting solution in needed. Many previous peace agreements have broken down, I hope all of the parties to this conflict, as well as involved third parties can work towards a treaty, that if it is not completely satisfactory to both sides, they can both live with it.