Intifada two years on: What has changed?

It is two years since the latest Palestinian uprising, or "intifada", against Israeli rule began, resulting in massive casualties on both sides.

The wave of violence was triggered by the frustrations of a failed peace process and a visit by Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount - known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary (Haram al-Sharif) - in Jerusalem, which Palestinians saw as a provocative measure.

Since the intifada began in September 2000, Israel has stepped up its domestic security regime and imposed unprecedented measures on the Palestinian population.

Attacks by Palestinian militants on Israelis have been widespread throughout, with more than 70 bombings carried out over the past two years.

What has changed since the violence erupted two years ago? Can a solution be found to stop the violence? How have you been affected by the intifada?

---

This Talking Point has now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The intifada has restored my faith

Kamran Ezdi, Lahore, Pakistan

Two years of intifada has shown that unequivocal support from a superpower, military might and a willingness to use it indiscriminately are not enough to crush the spirit of a wronged people. The intifada has restored my faith in the indomitable human character.
Kamran Ezdi, Lahore, Pakistan

The intifada is the largest terror campaign ever against a free country. Back in 2000, Arafat refused to the fair proposals laid out by president Clinton because he is more interested in destroying Israel than seeking peace.
Abu Ali, UK

Palestinians feel a new depth of despair

Stefan P, England

Tanks imposing curfews on Palestinians and firing on any who forget and children throwing stones¿These things have not changed. What has changed is that Palestinians feel a new depth of despair, of the world turning away still as they are oppressed. The US and UK wish to attack Iraq for their breaking of UN resolutions but Israel too has broken UN resolutions. The world must act.
Stefan P, England

The only things that have changed are the extent of the violence and the harshness of repressive measures on both sides. The violence of the Israeli army is utterly shocking and equally the Arabs feel that absolutely anything Israeli is a fair game, even suburbs with families and innocents. The rate at which Israel is chewing up international law and legal principles is truly beyond belief and the situation needs international attention. The US needs to exercise more discipline with its unruly offspring and the EU get its rapid reaction force to give it more muscle.
Steff Johnson, UK

We're more fearful of the fallout now

Steve B, Scotland

Nothing at all has changed. We're more fearful of the fallout from Middle Eastern problems now it's reached to the heart of the West on 11 September, and we still scramble about clumsily trying to tidy up the region with war while systematically ignoring the root of the entire problem - Israel's refusal to comply with existing UN resolutions. We'd rather keep mopping up than turn off the tap.
Steve B, Scotland

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict has worsened if anything. A fair settlement is now further away than ever. Had half the effort spent on talking up a war with Iraq been applied to solving the Palestinian/Israeli problem the whole area might be a safer, better place.
Pat Vincent, UK

What has changed? Two thousand dead, the PLO dismantled, infrastructure destroyed, and the disappearance of livelihoods and hope. If ever there was a case for peaceful resistance, this is it.
GCM, Toronto, Canada

There may be hope again

Gideon, UK

Most Palestinians during the first 18 months of the intifada thought that continued suicide bombings would force Israel to end the occupation without a final deal, and most Israelis saw no hope for the future, since neither the conciliatory nor aggressive stances seemed to bring peace. Based on what I read now, the various Israeli military operations and building of the security fence seem to have persuaded most Palestinians that the strategy of violent uprising was a mistake, and most Israelis now believe that a change of Palestinian leadership and direction is at hand, after which there may be hope again. The whole uprising has been a colossal waste of life, time, energy and money.
Gideon, UK