Bob Hawke once said: "Unless something concrete is done to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian issue, you cannot actually start the war on terrorism ." Hawke has perhaps described in a few simple words one of the most complex issues in our world today, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Israel continues to strip Palestinians of their land and fears that it exists due to Palestinian terrorist acts, there appears to be no solution in sight. The world seems divided and scattered on this issue. According to the Institute for Middle East Understanding, approximately 129 countries recognize Palestine as a state, while many others do not. Overall, political issues related to this issue concern not only Palestine and Israel, but the world as a whole, as the Middle East and the West seem at odds. This has had and will continue to have a huge impact on many political affairs around the world, particularly in the current fight against terrorism. Personally, I think that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although a very complicated issue, has a simple solution. On this issue, I firmly believe that the occupation of the West Bank by Israeli forces is extremely unjust and must end. Once this goal is achieved, a two-state solution will be the most effective way to bring peace to the region. The occupation of the West Bank violates political and legal rights, human rights and illegally forces Palestinians who have lived in the region for hundreds of years to leave their lands. This conflict is at the peak of its importance and a solution is absolutely necessary as nuclear problems arise in the Middle East due to tension between Israel and its surrounding neighbors, and...... middle of paper... .. I believe that Israel must respect international law and must be stopped when these laws are violated. I believe that Palestinians should enjoy their rights. I completely understand that Israel is extremely concerned about its security because it is largely surrounded by the enemy. However, I do not believe that oppression and ultimate control of the Palestinians will bring about the security they long for, but rather will do the opposite. 1986). Holy Bible. (NIV ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan (2012). Israel/occupied Palestinian territories. Amnesty International, retrieved from http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territoriesAhmad, H. and Last Abu-Lughod Lila, (2009). Nakba: Palestine, 1948 and the demands of memory. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.