Faces of youth in an ancient conflict

Israeli soldier, Palestinian protester give voice to their people's struggles

Islamic Jihad activists, shown participating in a funeral procession, have threatened violence during Tuesday's Israeli prime minister election

February 5, 2001
Web posted at: 5:49 PM EST (2249 GMT)

LESSON PLAN RELATED STORIES, SITES Student News Archive For Israeli election coverage, go to CNN.com

By Jason Bellini
CNN NEWSROOM Correspondent

(CNN NEWSROOM) -- As the bullet-proof public bus makes its way from Jerusalem to Nablus in the West Bank at about 8 a.m., the din of conversation dies down as the hour mark approaches.

The bus driver turns up the crackly radio so everyone can hear the deep, fast-talking voice of the announcer.

It's time for the news.

People in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are devout when it comes to their hourly newscasts.

Since Israeli-Palestinian fighting began more than four months ago, 351 Palestinians have been killed as of Sunday night, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. In addition to the 13 Israeli Arabs killed in October, the Israeli Defense Forces said 52 Israeli Jews have also lost their lives in the fighting.

Some were shot during demonstrations. Others died in terrorist bombings and shootings that targeted civilians.

And because the area is so small geographically -- with every point usually within an hour's driving time -- it all hits close to home.

Aviv Derteleh, a 23-year old IDF infantryman, knows about the violence when a shrill siren goes off in his barracks, requiring him to grab his machine gun, hop in a jeep and go to it.

Mohammad al-Wahidy, a 22-year-old Palestinian engineering student, hears something is about to happen when word spreads among students about a demonstration.

In terms of ideology, these two men couldn't be further apart. But they are united in time and place, and the strong conviction that they are fighting on behalf of their people.

A DAY WITH A SOLDIER Calm can be relative: An Israeli Defense Forces machine gunner never expected to see so much action

A DAY WITH A DEMONSTRATOR "We have no option": A Palestinian student protester says he won't stop fighting for justice

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Israeli prime minister's office
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Meretz political party
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