ABSTRACT
The main aim of this chapter is to highlight how a recurrence of the 2006–2007 internal conflict in the Gaza Strip can be prevented through the youth, with support from civil society organizations (CSOs) to achieve local peacebuilding. The impact of young people in civic engagement and local peacebuilding in community development is vital. The significance of youth is emphasized in Gaza, as they constitute a third of the Gazan population. The research is a review and discussion of Gazan youth viewpoints concerning the internal conflict between Hamas and Fatah, and the damage it has caused. Projects proposed by the youth to support local peacebuilding initiatives, and to bolster reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah are considered. There is a possibility that CSOs can support such projects. CSOs as they stand, have a substantial presence and involvement with projects across the Gaza Strip. This chapter explores how the youth could engage in the local peacebuilding initiatives with CSO support. The chapter builds on two elements: (i) a literature review and (ii) data collected from interviews conducted with the Gazan youth and representatives of civil society staff in Gaza, in 2020.
