By Zach Epstein ’14, Staff Writer

The Middle East has been dealing with conflict and instability for decades. Since their victory in the Six Day War of 1967, Israel has possessed the territories of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights. In 1993, the West Bank and Gaza were both given the right of self-government.

Gaza is controlled by Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States. These Islamic fundamentalists desire the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Using Gaza as a base, Hamas has been firing rockets into Israel. With war looming on the horizon, Israel proceeded with Operation Pillar of Defense. The November 14^th assassination of Ahmed Jabari, the chief of the military wing of Hamas, marked the beginning of the operation. Furthermore, the operation saw Israel launch rockets at 1,500 sites in the Gaza strip, killing about 160 Palestinians and injuring 1,200 others. Hamas responded, aiming about 1,500 rockets at Israeli population centers, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. After extended negotiations, Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire on November 21^st.

The situation was complicated further when the United Nations voted to upgrade the Palestinian Authority from an “entity” to a “nonmember observer state.” This action is a huge step for Palestine in that it shows a clear recognition of their statehood. The foundation of the unstable peace was shaken further on December 3^rd, when Israel announced its intention to bring back the E-1 Settlement Plan. This controversial plan would drive an Israeli settlement wedge between eastern Jerusalem, the desired Palestinian capital, and Palestinian territory in the West Bank.  This contentious action seems a retaliatory measure against the United Nations’ recognition of a Palestinian state.  It has even earned the criticism of the United States, one of the most ardent supporters of Israel.

Newark Academy generally takes a cautious, objective perspective of the conflict. Ms. Schottland, Humanities teacher and advisor to the Jewish club, is disappointed with the nature of the conflict.  A strong supporter of a two-state solution, she believes neither side is working to create permanent peace. As far as the outbreak of violence, Ms. Schottland believes that sovereign nations, such as Israel, have the right to defend themselves. Humanities department head Mr. Vinikoor agrees, noting, “A nation always has the right to defend itself.”  Ms. Schottland also notes that only Israel is a sovereign nation, while Palestine is not. She concludes that this is “an impossible situation,” and that it will be difficult to reach an ideal solution.

Along with Ms. Schottland and Mr. Vinikoor, many in our community point to the true complexity of the situation. Ms. Fischer notes the strong American alliance with Israel. She therefore highlights the difficulty in American involvement in objective talks concerning a long-term solution. Ms. Fischer also expresses her belief that “neither side should be launching rockets into civilian areas.” A myriad of factors play a role in this conflict, and Newark Academy faculty are aware that it must be approached with caution.

The current peace is an unsteady one. The cease-fire has the potential to fall through at any moment in the coming weeks, especially considering Palestinian discontent with the revival of the Israeli settlement project. In such a small, contentious area of the world, the fight only gets more complex.