This topic is NOT about the Israel Palestine conflict. We have a separate thread on that here.
http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/west-asia-africa/1813-israel-palestine-conflict-6.html
This is specifically about political palestinian prisoners that are in Israel and how they have SUCESSFULLY won rights from the Israeli prison officials by their hunger strike.
The thread reminded me of the novel 'Sum of all fears' by Tom Clancy.
The first part of the story goes like this - A new leader gains popularity in Palestine - using Gandhian methods. He, with his followers sits on hunger strike.
An Israeli police officer strikes him but he doesn't retaliates and is ultimately beaten to death - which was caught on camera. The world is stunned, US president is forced to condemn Israel and there is worldwide outcry in favor of Palestine. As the novel's protagonist remarks . it tilts the moral axis far away from Israel.
Gandhi has referred to Ahimsa as a tool, and like a tool , it will work in some cases, and will fail in others.
Against a democratic nation like Israel it has a good chance of succeeding.
Fatah had a clause in its constitution which called for Israel's destruction ,removed after Oslo I guess , while Hamas still has one in its .As a people Israelis simply see these groups as Jew haters who will 'throw them into sea' if they get a chance. There is zero trust between Hamas and Israel. So while an average Israeli might not be against be a two state solution there is genuine fear what will these men do once they get a state to rule upon. Add to this powder keg the violent rivalry between Fatah and Hamas and you doubt what will be the future of a Palestinian state. Israel is a very strong nation armed to its teeth. For the existential threat posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and their masters, they will fight without compromising.and thats the reason violent action Israel will never succeed(unless you think of Samson option which destroy the region).
All this will change if 'Ahima' takes root in Palestine. It will signal that Palestine don't want Jews destruction.This will be reassuring for the average Israeli. It will build trust between the two communities - vital to the success of any peace plan.Oh and it will certainly make things difficult for Israel and its allies in international forums. An Israeli incursion in Gaza is justified by its government in the name of hunting down terrorists. But once you take violence out of picture it will be impossible for Israel to defend its actions.Remember Israel is not China, it cant do a media blackout.