Protests in Gaza, an Alternative Approach

The recent peace march within the territory of Gaza along the Israeli border fence has not ended peacefully. Gazans are tired of their stifling isolation and seek a better future.

The first protest, organized by Hamas, was purportedly arranged to be peaceful. The original plan: prop up tents and protest peacefully. Yet there were outliers who sought a different approach.

Regardless of Hamas' intent, explicitly or implicitly, young men took matters into their own hands. 

Some of the contentious actions have included:

• tires being set ablaze and even rolled towards the border fence with Israel - (this had a binary and complimentary function: to obscure Gazans' movement, but also to shroud Gazans from Israeli sniper fire)
• bombs were attached to kites to either inflict casualties or set crops on fire on the Israeli side;
• some were destined to bolt cutters to penetrate through the fence.

Israel has a bona fide security concern regarding infiltrators inflicting damage on unsuspecting Israelis. This has been propped up by ordinary Palestinians stabbing Israeli citizens; and the continued digging of tunnels into Israel.

What needs to happen to reset relations and move forward?

First, this march was structured to be peaceful and present a new path forward. Instead, it has reinforced the image that violence remains the only viable option to achieve change.
The organizers need to publicly denounce the violence and questionable activities that cause Israel defense forces to reciprocate with force. These unproductive elements need to be expelled as the people seek a non-violent way to express their frustration.

Secondly, and a new alternative approach: 

The Gazans need to stand at a considerable distance away from the fence to convince the Israelis that they mean no harm. Perhaps, they should hold hands spread far apart to show that they want peace and also to demonstrate that although
Idle, hidden hands could produce mischief'; visible, stationary hands will present to the Israelis that they have nothing to hide and possess nothing that will produce harm.

Gazans need to present a new front when engaging Israelis. A new peaceful path needs to be forged to demonstrate a change of heart and change of engagement by both sides.

Violence has proven to be destructive, but a peaceful solution needs to be kindled if a solution is to abound. The Gazans deserve better in terms of living life and the Israelis deserve better in terms of security if they are to establish constructive relations with their neighbor as the two-state solution is being implemented.