It is possible for the Quartet to create a framework for Gaza to flourish like the West Bank through wielding a panoply of soft powered tools which according to Barak Seener, Middle East Director of the Henry Jackson Society, can lead to a heightening of liberal ideals that in the future can advance conflict resolution.
Such measures can include students participating in exchange programmes from Gaza to the UK where they will be exposed to Western liberal ideals in university courses. These students will export back to Gaza Western ideals that will threaten radicals.
Furthermore, an independent judiciary, which is an indication of an empowered civil society can help break the surge of fundamentalism and radicalism that can be seen in Gaza and the region at large. Relying solely upon aid is inadequate as it should be used to complement forces of liberalisation. Adopting a posture of conflict management as opposed to conflict resolution can create spaces in society which will in the future be conducive to creating a moderate base that will be increasingly willing to reconcile with their Israeli counterparts. Creating such spaces empowers moderates and undercuts radicals. These spaces entail a decentralised economy which has the effect of protecting individuals and promoting an increase of industries in the financial sector. In turn an independent judiciary which is a key component of civil-society, is needed to formulate legislation and monitor its implementation while devolving power from the central government which in Gaza is occupied by radicals. EU states can facilitate the growth of civil-society in Gaza by linking with it. This can include Trade Unions joining with their Palestinian counterparts. An example of how this can promote moderation is through advancing the concept of workers’ rights. When conscious of their rights, Palestinian workers will not be that willing to risk their lives to dig underground tunnels across the border with Egypt which are used to smuggle weapons and other illegal materials.
More broadly, merely focusing upon the framework of the conflict through a mechanism of ‘management’ will create a shift in the strategic environment in which the conflict plays out. As civil-society would be empowered, Gaza would be exposed to the forces of globalisation which will bring it closer to the West and diminish the influence that both internal and external radicals currently enjoy. Merely the changed cultural perspectives will lead to a more Westernised context in which both sides can resolve their differences. Empowering the people of Gaza will create openings to achieve political change. This will take a generation to achieve with sustained activities on the part of the West.
