The international community, led by Israel and the United States, has boycotted the region of Gaza since the coming of power of the Hamas organisation and by blocking trade, power supplies and humanitarian support the region has been in the midst of crisis for the last 12 months.
The people of Gaza would have to be some of the most resilient people alive. Living under constant war for the last 40 years, constantly enduring the violence and terror of the Israeli state and witnessing the incompetence and corruption of Palestinian politicians on a daily basis it is amazing to think that these people still maintain hope for an independent Palestine.
This hope was beautifully displayed yesterday by 50,000 residents of Gaza when Hamas and Fatah supporters alike joined hands to create a 25 mile human chain of solidarity. This act of political defiance is designed to show Israel that their violent siege of Gaza will not break the spirit of the people.
Brandishing signs reading, "The Siege of Gaza Will Only Strengthen Us, "The World Has Condemned Gaza to Death" and "Save Gaza" the people of the region should be commended for their resilience and political spirit in the face of such adversity.
