When reading books about the Palestinian issue, the explanation often goes that the tragedy was originally brought about by Britain’s double- and triple-dealing diplomacy. However, every time I see the devastation in Gaza, I cannot help but feel a deep, unshakable frustration, thinking, "I get that, but isn’t there anything that can be done about it?"
“The distance from Tel Aviv to Gaza is only 70 kilometers. In the 21st century, Palestine and Israel continue to exist on opposite sides of this short stretch—with one side firing missiles and the other responding with airstrikes.
Yet, going back around 800 years from today, during 1228–1229, negotiations were underway along this very same distance, aiming to achieve coexistence without the use of military force.
What’s more, this was being conducted between the Holy Roman Emperor, the foremost secular leader of the Christian world, and the Sultan, the secular leader of the Islamic world.”
This emperor was none other than Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire. In the end, he succeeded in gaining control of the holy city of Jerusalem not by military means, but through diplomatic negotiations, and he achieved coexistence between Islam and Christianity through his policy of reconciliation.
In stark contrast to this was the Pope of Rome at the time—who absolutely rejected negotiations with infidels (to the point that he excommunicated Frederick II not once, but twice for his disobedience!). This clearly shows just how much harm stubbornness can cause to the possibility of coexistence.
