Peace and prosperity in Palestine

My recommendation is that the Palestinians should accept the reality of Israel's right to exist, accept the two-state solution creating the Palestinian state that has been proposed many times previously, and try to emulate Israel's success.

A new leadership will be required in Palestine. Whilst Palestine must be led by Palestinians, it cannot be led by gangsters or youngsters. There will be a need for leaders who can bring wisdom and experience to the tasks of renewal. Perhaps some ex-patriots who have experienced the benefits of living in a liberal democracy and running profitable businesses might return to lend a hand. With the right attitudes, one could expect cultural and economic support and investment from fellow Sunnis – Saudi Arabia, Quatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The Israelis have shown through the Abraham Accords that they are willing to form peaceful, cooperative and constructive diplomatic and friendly ties with Arab nations. They are likely to be good neighbours to a prosperous and peaceful Palestine; they would have no cause to be otherwise.

Economic activity will include construction – including the restoration of roads, water, sewerage and electricity infrastructure, education, health, financial and administrative services, even some local manufacturing. In addition, a rejuvenated Palestine should seek to establish a tourist industry by building resorts on its mediterranean coast. There will be many new jobs created, and opportunities to learn new skills. Also, there will be visitors – businessmen and tourists - from many other nations and cultures. Interaction with these people will widen the horizons of young Palestinians. War will be less likely; the foreigners will want to protect their investments and their holiday destinations.

Of course, if the Palestinians can make a success of Gaza, then the Lebanese may choose to dismantle Hezbollah and rebuild Beirut.

Still, we may need to be on our guard, not only in Tel Aviv, but also in Paris, London, Berlin, Copenhagen, New York and Sydney. The threat of terrorist violence will remain even if Hamas and Hezbollah do not. Jihadist Islamism is not solely a Jewish problem.

We need to work hard in our schools and universities and communities to change hearts and minds that have been corrupted by error and half-truths.

We need to promote the benefits of our liberal democratic way of life.

We should be proud of our heritage, confident in our achievements, and prepared to fight against forces that might unwittingly seek to destroy them.

If we wish to convince others that our ideology is superior, then firstly we must understand its concepts and its roots, and secondly we must live its truth.