CHRIS HUGHES: 'Israeli top negotiator convinced me peace in Middle East is still possible'

He has for decades braved the fury of the Israeli right-wing over his relentless determination to help peace withPalestinians.

Uncompromising in his view that it and a two state solution can be achieved he has promoted this vision tirelessly for over half a century. Even when he mourned his murdered wife’s cousin at his graveside he steeled himself for the battle to put aside his anger and keep the campaign going.

Gershon Baskin has endured sleepless nights and relentless days travelling in and out of Gaza, the West Bank, listening to people who may have been his natural enemy.

And yet despite all of this when I finally meet him I encounter a kindly, gently spoken, scholarly person who I suspect could persuade anyone of his dream. Gershon is not a preacher and does not patronise, patiently allowing you to catch up with him as he tells you fascinating tales of meetings, sometimes tense, with Hamas leaders.

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It is commonplace in Israel but his depth of knowledge on the history and tragedy of the region is impressive and told in an animated way. It is possible to see how he has dodged the mindless hatred and dogma between many on both sides, to smoothly persuade, reason and chicane around the difficulties of dealing with the extreme.

Through him it is possible to see that there can be a voice of reason and mend the schism that this war has further torn between Israel and those who may thrive in a future Palestinian state. His cause is a decent and profoundly felt one and for a two state solution to be the future one day it will rest on the shoulders of people like him.

I have tried to meet and interview him for some time but it never worked out- and having done so now, much of my doubt that peace can be achieved any time soon has softened.