2) Connect each of the articles we've looked at to one of the questions and explain the connection.

3) For any unanswered questions, find an article - link it, and explain the connection. Make sure your sources are legitimate.

4) Submit a link to your padlet to the assignment folder on Teams

The use of soft power also proved to be crucial in 2021 when Netanyahu convinced Israelis that a peaceful solution was not possible between Palestine. This set up Israel to further resent Palestine before Hamas attacked them later on.

Because the US is such a powerful and influential body in global politics, their favor often determines how the conflict will go. The Ukraine is still holding its own because of American support. Likewise, Israel has really benefited from the soft power support America has given them. In this was, both structural power and relational power is shown in this conflict. Israel's relationship has given them the upper hand and the powerful position the US holds have benefited many in similar situations as Israel.

The UN has made efforts in supporting Palestine with both soft and hard power. The UN has continued to call out the IDF for committing "unlawful" and unnecessary acts against the people of Gaza. They have pointed out the isolation of civilians and spoken about how to stop Netanyahu. The UN has also threatened Israel with Sanctions if they don't comply with the orders to draw back.

As for other IGO's like NATO and the EU. while they have supported the UN claims for Israel to retreat, NATO especially has been rather occupied with the Russia and Ukraine war. But NATO has expressed their support towards Paestinians, claiming that they dotn stand alone.

The Palestinian Government is made up of the PA but internationally, Palestine is recognized by the PLO( Palestine Liberation Organization). The PLO or Fatah is the middle party, separating Hamas and Israel. Gazan's wo don't believe in Hamas are likely to side with Fatah who wants independence for the state by using less violent and taxing tactics. Fatah and Hamas have been fighting to control Palestine and this internal conflict makes fighting Israel harder when the state is already divided.

To argue for Israel's recent actions against Gaza, many believe that this is their way of defending themselves from Gaza but more specifically Hamas. Because it was Hamas who first attacked on Oct. 7, supporters argue that Israel is only taking the necessary measures to insure its protection. They see Hamas as a violent terrorist group with no motive other than to spread violence into Israel, without looking back and exploring as to why Palestinians are pushing back. People also see the two-state solution as impossible, arguing that both areas already function as one state and would ultimately benefit from uniting.

Those supporting Palestinians argue that civilians don't deserve punishment for the actions of Hamas and set themselves a part from the group. Since Oct. 7, Israel has continuously attacked the Gaza stip, further isolating peole and depriving them of basic resources. This has drwa the sttention of many other countries who argue that Netanyahu is taking unecessary actions. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also spoken out about the human rights violations and warned Israel of the consequences is they don't stop.

As for the two-state solution, Palestinians are mostly for this idea as it would gain them independence and be recognized as a separate and individual people.

For the most part, the international community supports Palestine's statehood, with the exception of the US, especially Trump. Many IGO's have discussed supporting Palestine and punishing Israel while still keeping a safe distance from the conflict. But in terms of statehood qualifications, Palestine's lack of defined territory after the war in 1988, statehood is a more difficult goal to reach. Statehood would also include global diplomacy and questions of Palestine's capability of participating is certainly one that's being considered. But I also think that the two-state solution is a reasonable and fair solution that would satisfy both states equally.