Which is more important, the life of an Israeli soldier, or the life of an innocent Palestinian?

Both lives are equally important. However, it is incumbent on a well armed and trained soldier to risk his life in defence of civilians, even if the civilians in question are of the opposing nation. The Geneva convention requires soldiers to protect civilians even at the risk of their own lives.

Does this happen? Not very often I think. When faced with a dilemma where to shoot will kill an innocent civilian and not to shoot would result in your own death.

I think most soldiers would shoot. As you said a just peace for both sides is the only solution and that can only delivered by America. Unfortunately the partisan nature of the American electorate means that they view the Middle East in black and white rather than the million shades of grey that it actually is. Let's hope Obama can take a few faltering steps along the path to peace.

He is trying to talk to the Iranians, if anyone has influence over Hamas then it's Iran. More.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.