Palestinian protest icon Ahed Tamimi is to go on trial before an Israeli military court on Tuesday for slapping and punching two Israeli soldiers - an act Palestinians say embodies their David vs. Goliath struggle against a brutal military occupation and Israel portrays as a staged provocation meant to embarrass its military. The case touches on what constitutes legitimate resistance to Israel's rule over millions of Palestinians, already in its 51st year after Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in 1967. Despite the personal pain, her father said he is optimistic and he believes he is witnessing progress, that the outpouring of support for her - more than 1.7 million people have already signed an online petition calling for her release - signal the beginning of the final chapter of Israel's occupation.
At www.independent.co.uk
