Israel has conducted air strikes against the Gaza Strip. Hamas has retaliated with rocket attacks. The outbreak of violence demonstrates that there has to be an end to occupation and blockade that Palestinians have been living under. The UN has warned that this could escalate into full scale war. However, there have been minimal actions taken in response to Israel's aggression directed at the Palestinians. Sanctions or discontinuing diplomatic relations have never been used as punishment for Israel. A conflict similar to 2006 would most likely attract other Arab nations. Israeli Arab citizens have voiced there condemnation of the state's military operations. Anger will grow as long as the racial hierarchy remains part of the political system. Zionism has transformed to advocate expansion outside the original borders intended in the establishment of the Jewish state. The recent developments could be the beginning of another Intifada. There were two mass uprisings between 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005. Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu is using the recent crisis to extend his rule. Charges of corruption and abuse of power threatened his government. War can stall him from being removed from office. Simultaneously, the extremist elements are growing more powerful within the Likud Party. Settlement construction will continue and evictions of Palestinian families are happening in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Violence also was reported coming from Israeli law enforcement at the al-Aqasa Mosque. Arabs inside Israel have faced discrimination and police brutality for many years. Gaza has been locked off with supplies and resources being blocked by Israel. The violence and discontent is a culmination of an oppressive system. If occupation and land seizures continue Israel could resemble a country similar to Apartheid South Africa.
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