When the East German government announced on November 9, 1989, after several weeks of civil unrest, that entering West Berlin would be permitted, crowds of East Germans climbed onto and crossed the wall, joined by West Germans on the other side in a celebratory atmosphere. Over the next few weeks, parts of the wall were chipped away by a euphoric public and by souvenir hunters; industrial equipment was later used to remove almost all of the rest of it. The fall of the Berlin wall paved the way for German reunification, which was formally concluded on October 3, 1990. (source)
The beginning of this scenario sounds awfully similar to the current situation unraveling in the Gaza Strip. For the past 10 days, there has been a free flow of Palestinians in and out of Egypt, through a section of the wall which was brought down by Hamas (picture above taken by Haitham Gabr). Yet the complexity of this story is much greater. Egypt is roped in, forced to take responsibility for the Palestinians, after failing to close down the border again (which resulted in clashes where 38 Egyptians and 6 Palestinians were wounded).
Ever since Hamas took over power in the Gaza Strip, Israel has tightened its closure on the border, not willing to participate in any form of cooperation with a State run by a terrorist organization that does not accept its right to exist. Through constant missile attacks, Israel still provided Gaza with basic amenities – Gas for power, Medical and food supplies. After continuous rocket attacks, Israel decided to tighten the closure over Gaza and not provide Gas nor other supplies. In return, Hamas took down the wall on the border with Egypt, thus forming a new reality, roping Egypt into the situation.
In his book, the True Believer, Eric Hoffer argues that mass movements such as fascism and communism spread by promising a glorious future. To do so, they need to devalue both the past and the present. Mass movements appeal to frustrated people who are dissatisfied with their current state, but are capable of a strong belief in the future. In a highly networked world, it is difficult for regimes to keep people from knowing fact from fiction, and believing in possibilities for different presents. I wonder what it will take to provide Gaza residents with reasons for hope. Do they not remember the days prior to the Intefada? Their economic prosperity and stability when allowed freely to work within Israel and sell their goods? Do they not remember the success of their businesses? I know that many regret voting for Hamas, but just how DID they manage to win the elections, and how can Israel negotiate with a regime that does not support its existence?
Its hard for me to stay optimistic with the current situation in Gaza. One journalist wrote an eyewitness account stating:
Today I have seen people shot before my eyes, I heard the screams of terrified women and children in a burning building, and I argued with gunmen who wanted to take over my home. I have seen a lot in my years as a journalist in Gaza, but this is the worst it’s been.
This is hardly the Berlin wall coming down, nor are there any possibilities for peace in the near future. This is a population with no hope, caught in the middle of extremist agenda, brought unto themselves from a place of no hope.
I too, have lost my hope long ago.
