[OPINION] The path forward for Gaza and Israel

People walk past stalls selling goods amid the rubble of buildings destroyed during previous Israeli strikes, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025, as the war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas continues. Hamas has approved a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, Palestinian sources close to negotiations said on January 15, after mediator Qatar expressed hope an agreement to end the war could be reached very soon. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)

People walk past stalls selling goods amid the rubble of buildings destroyed during previous Israeli strikes, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 15, 2025, as the war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas continues. Hamas has approved a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, Palestinian sources close to negotiations said on January 15, after mediator Qatar expressed hope an agreement to end the war could be reached very soon. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)

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WITH the total destruction of the entire Gaza region and the annihilation of close to 47 000 Palestinians including doctors, aid workers, journalists, women and children …so comes to an end the most heinous killing spree in Palestinian history.

As we say goodbye to possibly the ugliest year, in the Middle East it is time to face reality.

1. An Independent Palestinian State is the only way forward and poses no threat to anyone in the region .

2. Suggestions that Palestinians seek the total destruction of Israel is a work of fiction.

3. Palestine’s only objective in the new world is self determination.

4. Calls by radical fringe groups for the destruction of Israel are not supported by Palestinians.

5. Research indicates that 95% of ordinary Palestinians have no gripe with the Jewish community and respect their right to exist.

Gaza cannot be rebuilt on the ashes of 47 000 Palestinians who perished in the name of freedom without the status quo changing.

The starting point to the Palestinian question is for the Israeli people to clean up the Knesset which is full of radical right-wing old men living in the dark ages... without further ado Benjamin Netanyahu must go and a pragmatic realistic young leader with his head in the 21st century and a clear vision for a workable future must be appointed.

Colin Bosman | Newlands

Cape Times