About 80 % of Gaza 's households live on less than $ 2 a day , while 1.3 million or 80 % of its citizens receive some form of food aid . In post - revolution Middle East , engagement with Israel is feasible , Salman Shaikh says . Influence of Egypt , Turkey and Syria was instrumental in delivering cease - fire , he says . Maintaining Gaza blockade only serves to further radicalize Gaza 's population , he says . Obama administration should push for Palestinian unity and end to blockade , he says .
In post - revolution Middle East , engagement with Israel is feasible , Salman Shaikh says . Influence of Egypt , Turkey and Syria was instrumental in delivering cease - fire , he says . Maintaining Gaza blockade only serves to further radicalize Gaza 's population , he says . Obama administration should push for Palestinian unity and end to blockade , he says .