Forward Thinking hold meetings in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 11th – 18th December 2014

The Director and Middle East Programme Manager held meetings with Israeli and Palestinian figures from a range of parties and affiliations. Meetings took place with politicians of various factions in Gaza, as well as with youth groups, intellectuals and community leaders. These meetings demonstrated the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip, where challenges following the recent escalation in violence over the summer remain critical. Widespread homelessness and a lack of incoming materials necessary for reconstruction, as well as the heavily limited movement of people, have created anger and frustration among the population. An impending humanitarian disaster and a further escalation in violence are very real scenarios that may result from this situation.Meetings also took place in the Knesset, with members of Likud, Yisrael Beitenu, Hatenua, Shas and Yesh Atid. These meetings provided an insight into attitudes concerning the upcoming Israeli elections, set for 17^th March 2015, and opinions concerning results, potential coalitions and party alliances. Furthermore, Forward Thinking met with political leaders, academics and youth groups in the West Bank, providing an important analysis concerning rising tensions, as well as perspectives on European moves toward recognition of the ‘state of Palestine’.