There is much that is required when it comes to the situation in Gaza. The merciless Israeli siege of the territory has to come to an end once and for all. Hence, all efforts by both Palestinians and the international community should focus on this immediate and urgent matter.

The recent renewal of rocket-firing from Gaza, targeting Israeli cities, is pointless as it simply aggravates matters further. The rockets, fired by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, did not cause any casualties or damage but brought into question the future of the six-month truce between Israel and the Palestinians, which will soon be coming to an end.

But the ground reality cannot be based on extreme measures. Israel's blockade of Gaza has created a humanitarian situation, and innocent civilians are paying the price.

And it is for this very reason that the firing of rockets as a strategy should stop, as this has proved to be counterproductive in the long-term. The need of the hour is for Palestinians to discard their political and ideological differences and come together as a united force, as well as for the international community to put an end to Israeli aggression.