Blockade Solution for Israel/Palestine

Although I am outraged over the recent events, the fact remains that this is the result of a never-ending cycle of action/counteraction. Without pointing fingers or assessing guilt or blame, what is a solution?

Israel doesn't want to allow cargo ships into Palestinian ports. There are however reasons why having shipments unloaded in Israel doesn't work either (lets say there are 'logistic' issues with the handling of cargo and it's delivery and just leave it at that). As a result of this we have situations like the Raid that raise tensions and drag the United Nations and it's Members into the mix, making things even more complicated.

If the UN and it's members are going to continually get drawn into these problems, then why don't we, as the global community, take a more proactive stance?


Very Large Floating Structures

Very large floating structure(s) (VLFS(s)) (or, as some literature refers to them, very large floating platform(s), VLFP(s) for short) can be constructed to create floating airports, bridges, breakwaters, piers and docks, storage facilities (for oil & natural gas), wind and solar power plants, for military purposes, to create industrial space, emergency bases, entertainment facilities (such as casinos), recreation parks, mobile offshore structures and even for habitation. VLFS for habitation could become reality sooner than one may expect. Currently, different concepts have been proposed for building floating cities or huge living complexes.

VLFSs may be classified under two broad categories, namely the pontoon-type and the semi-submersible type. The former type is a simple box structure and features high stability, low manufacturing cost and easy maintenance and repair. In open sea, where the wave heights are relatively large, it is necessary to use the semi-submersible VLFS type to minimize the effects of waves while maintaining a constant buoyant force. VLFSs of the semi-submersible type are used for oil and gas exploration in sea and other purposes. They are fixed in place by column tubes, piles, or other bracing systems.

Build or deploy one of these in international waters off shore and have the UN run it. Anything that is being imported to the Palestinians can be unloaded, searched and then loaded on UN boats to be delivered to Palestinian ports. Israel can watch the entire process, anything they have an issue with can be resolved by the UN on the spot.

Any country that tries to circumvent the system can either be dealt with by the UN or by Israel itself. Likewise, if Israel tries to disrupt shipments then they are directly contradicting a UN mandate for humanitarian aid: One set up specifically to address their concerns.

Expensive and time consuming? Sure, but it's better then what we have now. If this option saves lives by both allowing supplies into Palestine and preventing conflicts, then it is worth every penny spent.

We are going to be forced into these situations either way; why not set the terms?

Just a thought.


[edit on 1-6-2010 by [davinci]]