Palestine is the land of conflict. It's the land of interfactional conflict. Since Hamas came into power, we've witnessed the infighting between Hamas and Fatah. They should be united in their common goal, but instead they're fighting each other instead of their common enemy.

IslamOnline.net's Youth 4 the Future spoke to a young adult living in Gaza in an effort to gauge the youth's opinions on the situation that may well define their lives.

[A series of questions were asked, but the reply was written in narrative format. The answers were lightly edited.]

Abeer Bakree – University Student

Many people ask about the difficult circumstances that we're living in nowadays. We have to ask ourselves what the reasons are behind this great Palestinian struggle. Is it the hard conditions we have to live in, or is it a matter of who controls the leadership of our country? Is Hamas the problem, or is it Fatah?

Countless questions can be asked, yet we'll never reach clear-cut answers. For me, the most important question to be asked is "Are the people who live in Palestine nowadays as courageous as those before them who used to defend their country regardless of circumstances?"

I believe that the Palestinians are still honorable examples for all people. They uphold their honor and dignity despite the suffering they're enduring.

It wouldn't be fair to lay total blame on either Hamas or Fatah specifically. Neither is completely responsible for our daily political or social problems. The problems have been created by Israel and governments supportive of Israel. The problem with Hamas and Fatah is that they don't have the same solution for the problem. Foreign governments play one against the other, exacerbating the tension. The international community is also at fault for the indirect role it has played in creating even more conflict in our Holy Land.

Of course, one might ask "how and why?" The answer isn't so difficult, but it needs more concentration, open-mindedness, and analytical reading of events. I believe that starting from the very beginning is crucial to be able to clarify the truth. The last Palestinian elections were praised by all politicians and critics all over the world … before the results became known. When Hamas won, sanctions were placed against the legally and democratically elected government.

This is how the "democratic" international community rewarded Palestine for applying their so-called democracy in our elections. Since then, we've been leading a very hard life, surrounded by political and economical blockades.

Undoubtedly, all of this has led to the shameful and hateful struggle between forces loyal to the Palestinian Authority head, President Mahmoud Abbas, and those supportive of the Hamas-led government. As Palestinian citizens, we're calling for dialogue between both of them. The prima evidence for this is that the airwaves have been filled with anguished calls from every sector in Palestine — political parties, nongovernmental organizations, and Muslims and Christians — for the fighting to cease and for unity between the two parties to be achieved.

Despite all these entreaties, a shameful action took place on February 1 of this year. Presidential forces of Mahmoud Abbas invaded and attacked the Islamic University of Gaza. The university stands as a symbol of honor for all Palestinians, yet it was sacrificed.

Fatah-backed local radio stations then accused Hamas of burning down the Islamic University, accusing Hamas of blackening Fatah's glorious image.

Whatever the accusations or justifications, this crime can neither be forgiven nor justified. The Islamic University is a great place in which the minds of many were cultivated with great knowledge.

However, I believe that despite the animosity between Hamas and Fatah, they are not wholly to blame. The root of the problem lies solely at the feet of imperialist America and apartheid Israel. It is through their policies that Palestine, and Gaza specifically, is where it is today.

The hearts of Palestinians are bleeding, but does the world care? I call upon all citizens of the world who believe in truth and freedom to defend Palestine, to safeguard their honor, and to live and die with dignity.

By Bibi Ayesha Wadvalla

Source: Islamonline