Palestinian Spokesman Blames Israel for Radicalization of Palestinian Youth

MANSOUR: “I believe that if we allow for peace to take place, negotiation to take place, under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, who is bringing all political elements in the Palestinian side including Hamas under his wing and the national consensus government. If we empower this government, we will be able to move gradually from the situation of confrontation and fighting into the situation of [letting] this tragedy and blockade against our people in Gaza.  Giving the people there a hope. 50% of the population in Gaza are under 18. If you put them in a continuous situation of fighting and resentment and hate, this is an excellent atmosphere for radicalism. But if you give them hope, you open the borders, you let them go to schools, let them look for good jobs, let them look for moderation, then we will succeed in allowing all those who want to have peace between us and the Israelis to have the upper hand.”