Forward Thinking hold meetings in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 24th-28th July 2017

From 24th-28th July 2017, Forward Thinking held meetings with senior Palestinian figures from across the political spectrum in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Gaza, as well as with municipality leaders, private sector figures, and civil society. Meetings were also held with Knesset Members, activists and campaign organisers from the Labour and Jewish Home parties, and with European diplomats.These meetings occurred at a time of escalating tensions in Jerusalem following the killing of two Israeli police at the Haram al Sharif by gunmen on 21st July. Newly imposed security measures around the site, installed following the shooting, led to widespread Palestinian protest. The meetings that took place provided insights into this situation at the political and grassroots levels, and illuminated developments and shifts within the wider, internal Palestinian political environment.Conversations with Knesset Members also provided opportunity to discuss dynamics and attitudes within the Knesset, as well as opinions concerning the newly appointed Labour leader, Avi Gabay.Furthermore, the visit provided valuable opportunity to plan upcoming activities as part of Forward Thinking’s Middle East Programme.