Violence gets the world's attention but Palestine must try non-violence

Last week, I heard on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme a Palestinian MP and former Presidential candidate, mention the word, 'non-violence' half a dozen times.  He said that he had been urging non-violent resistance on his fellow compatriots for many years but that it had fallen on deaf ears, so far.  He said Hamas had, quietly, already changed its position over Israel.  What was his name?

Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jnr commanded the moral high ground, as did the Indians who also chose non-violence during the Amritsar massacre by the British Army.  Eventually, India gained its independence from the British Empire.

In Northern Ireland, the sectarian men of violence (including the British Army), eventually, tried non-violence.  Ceasefires led to the peace process of talks, compromise, consensus, give and take and, a large drop in the numbers of killings.  Could Israel not talk and act on wanting a similar peace process, once more?

Could Israel not join with that Palestinian MP and, at least, talk non-violence, to begin with?  Israel's policy over 66 years has not worked in giving them peace and security and friendship with its Palestinian neighbours.

Could Israel not make use of the UN's General Secretary or, make use of the knowledge and experiences of both sides in Northern Ireland?

Could Israel consult with Angela Merkel to get her ideas and help to, eventually, get a resolution?  Or Desmond Tutu?

Violence gets the world's attention but Palestine must try non-violence and top level talks with world leaders - followed by Israel coming to the table, too.

Both sides might try a cycle of non-violence, compromise and constraint and never revenge to improve their prospects.