The Director, Chairman and Programme Officer hold meetings in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank, 10th – 20th October 2013

Forward Thinking held meetings with senior figures from a range of Palestinian political parties, as well as with academics and youth leaders, in Gaza, Ramallah and Nablus. These meetings allowed Palestinian perspectives to be discussed concerning the current US-brokered talks with Israel, as well as on the issue of political reconciliation and the implications of recent regional events on the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Furthermore, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Forward Thinking met with members of the Knesset, independent and party officials, from Likud Beitenu, Yesh Atid, Jewish Home, Labor, Shas and Hatenua. This allowed for discussion on regional and internal developments to take place, as well as providing greater understanding of, and improving networks within, the Knesset. Such meetings proved vital in advancing the Middle East Programme and increasing understanding of the region in the wake of recent and on-going events.