Failing Peace: Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

Failing Peace examines the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a focused study of Gaza, drawing on over two decades of the author's firsthand research and field work in the region. Sara Roy documents the political, economic, and social transformations that have occurred in Gaza from the 1970s through the early 2000s. The book provides analysis of key developments including the Oslo peace process, the rise of Hamas, and the impact of Israeli settlement policies. Roy combines statistical data and policy analysis with personal accounts from Palestinians and Israelis living through these events. The narrative traces how international aid, economic policies, and political decisions have shaped Gaza's trajectory and influenced Palestinian society. The work includes examination of internal Palestinian dynamics as well as Israeli military and civilian administration policies. This scholarly yet accessible work challenges conventional frameworks for understanding the conflict by highlighting the concrete impacts of policy decisions on human development and society. Roy's analysis reveals the complex interplay between politics, economics, and social transformation in shaping the realities of life in Gaza.

Readers credit Roy's firsthand research in Gaza and detailed documentation of economic conditions. Multiple reviewers noted her personal experiences living in Gaza added credibility to her analysis of Palestinian daily life and Israeli policies. Positives: - Clear explanations of complex political dynamics - Thorough statistical data on Gaza's economy - Personal accounts from Palestinians and Israelis - Academic rigor while remaining readable Negatives: - Some readers found the economic focus too narrow - A few reviewers wanted more historical context - Critics claimed pro-Palestinian bias in analysis - Dense academic writing style in certain chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Roy presents hard data about Gaza's deterioration while maintaining scholarly objectivity - rare in books on this conflict." - Goodreads reviewer Another reader noted: "The economic analysis is solid but the book would benefit from more coverage of regional politics." - Amazon review

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🔸 Sara Roy developed the concept of "de-development" to describe Israel's impact on Gaza's economy - a process where development is not merely hindered but actively reversed 🔸 The author spent over thirty years conducting research in Gaza, making her one of the most experienced Western scholars studying the region 🔸 Roy's personal connection to the subject matter stems from being the daughter of Holocaust survivors, which shaped her perspective on human rights and justice 🔸 The book documents how Gaza's poverty rate increased from 30% to over 80% between 2000 and 2005, despite significant international aid 🔸 The research presented in the book draws from over 2,000 interviews conducted in Gaza, making it one of the most comprehensive first-hand accounts of the region's economic and social conditions