I may be wrong, but I detect a little bit of progress this week. Israel is now granting 4 hour pauses to allow the passage of people and the trucks from Rafa Crossing. There is talk of a further 12 hostages being released, though no way enough, but to me the most hopeful sign is that they are starting to talk about what happens next?
Bibi Netanyahu has made it claim, that Israel does not want to occupy Gaza, and that it should be part of Palestine. However Israel needs to have its security guaranteed and this means that some meaningful talks have to happen which hopefully would go a long way to solving the whole problem, both West Bank and Gaza, with Gaza being run by the West Bank. If this could happen, the way could be open for a 2-state solution, which would give both states a real chance to develop.
I am quite aware that this may be totally optimistic, in that even if it is the right way, there are politicians on both sides who would not accept the solution. We can but hope.
I am delighted to say that we have a new Letter from Hollywood, where Barbra Paskin talks about Barbra Streisand who has just published her new book; and Henry Winkler, now 78 years old and going strong. Thank you Barbra, it is great reading.
On the subject of the Middle East, in News from Israel, we have the latest commentary from Carolyne Davis, and in News from other sources, we continue to receive the commentary from the Honorary Consul of Israel to Scotland.
For all those who are into football, there are news and highlights from Brighton and Hove Albion's great victory over Ajax Amsterdam, so that there is a very good chance of them qualifying for the latter stages. of the Europa League.
We also have Jack Kaye's report on Brighton's well earned point against Everton last week. Thank you Jack.
I don't know about you, but I increasingly use forms of Chutney to make food more interesting. So I was pleased that Corinne Rachelle has presented us with her recipe for Tomat Apple and Date Chutney. I am certainly going to give it a try.
Right, I am going to continue trying to learn the words for the Show next weekend - the Top Hatters are awaiting you, I hope you will visit