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Here is the way one of my articles described what might be called the center ring of one of the biggest environmental stories in 2001: 'Encampments grew on both sides [...]

The concept of "one state" has existed in Palestinian thought alongside the "two-state vision" since the first days of the conflict with the Zionist movement. When the Palestinian Authority was established, the idea of one state was pushed aside, although it had been rooted in the Palestinian establishment for many decades (mainly in the "Palestinian democratic state" objective). However, in view of the multi-faceted crises besetting the Palestinian system in recent years, and at their heart an understanding of the difficulty of realizing the two-state vision, there has been a revival of the idea of one state. Unlike the past, when this debate was limited to an elite and fed by ideological and political considerations, today these matters are widely discussed, driven by practical and materialistic considerations - the desire for a stable life. Unplanned and unintentionally, the two-state vision is gradually moving toward a one-state reality, in which the inherent tensions between the two peoples stand to become more extreme and volatile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the steadily declining situation in the Gaza Strip, not only in terms of poverty and unemployment, but in terms of society and mindset as well. At the core of this reality is the growing tension between the interests that drive the Hamas government and the hopes and disappointments of the Gazan population - mainly among the young generation. The article first focuses on the ever-growing tension between Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip and the emerging new generation there, some tens of thousands of youngsters that while not yet unified under a single body, wield much influence on the local outlook and collective sentiments (this against the background of the attempt, led by Egypt, at intra-Palestinian reconciliation in the Gaza Strip). At issue is a relatively educated but furious and frustrated generation that reflects a worldview that is radical, even compared to the Hamas government. The article then discusses the "radicalization track" and a consistent process of escalation since 1947, and considers the possible implications of the scenario whereby the new generation becomes an alternative to the Hamas government. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for genuine good news for the Gaza Strip, and proposes a process that will constitute a type of "Marshall Plan" for Gaza, which should generate substantive change in the quality of life, and in turn have a positive impact on the security situation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]