The Palestinian class of 2009, in their own words

By Douglas Hamilton

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Whether a just resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is close at hand or close to impossible is today -- as so often over the past two decades -- in the eye of the beholder.

Palestinian students about to graduate from high school in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as in Israel where they are called Arab Israelis, paused during final exams this week to give the following snapshots of their views on the future.

Most were born in 1991, the year the Madrid Conference began a "peace process" that, 18 years on, has yet to yield the state desired by Palestinians or to settle other disputes with Israel.

Palestinians in the West Bank live under occupation in a poor but semi-autonomous region, ultimately controlled by the Israeli military. Arab Israelis complain of discrimination but have access to Israel's modern economy and welfare system.

In Gaza, ruled by Hamas Islamists who preach armed resistance to Israel, Palestinians live in a blockaded coastal enclave often described by sympathizers as an "open-air prison," to which Israel and Egypt have the keys.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- by Mustafa Abu Ganiyeh

Seven of 10 students were pessimistic about peace.

Three said peace was inevitable, however distant, because "we live in a modern, progressive world."

Mohammed Abu Sroor of Aida refugee camp said: "Peace is hopeless because Israel is a Zionist state."

Margaret Za'ror of East Jerusalem, at school in Bethlehem, said: "It's possible to have peace if both sides make concessions and forgive each other and forget their losses."

Would there be a viable Palestinian state in 10 years?

Six said it was not likely.

"The Palestinian Authority was established nearly 20 years ago with the aim of establishing a Palestinian state," said Murad Nassar of Bethlehem. "This has not happened."

But four foresaw some form of handicapped state.

"Israel is talking about a demilitarized state, with limited sovereignty and no territorial contiguity in the West Bank, which is cut off from the Gaza Strip," said Margaret Za'ror.