I think you assumed your imaginary 'diplomat status' very well. It is a very cogent answer if we limit it to the Gaza situation but if we look at it in a wider more long term view, that would require a much more in depth analysis.
But you are right, volumes have been written and still the problem persists.
All I can say is, from a personal point of view, I see no justification to the level of force being used against an unarmed population and a poorly armed militia.
Israel has historically taken more and more land, ostensibly to act as a buffer zone, to which end that appears successful.
What has been created is a massive 'open prison camp' and we are seeing the put down of that rebellion using overwhelming force.
Obviously the people in there are unhappy and will protest at their perceived persecution, (at being put in a prison camp).
Significantly, the mortar attacks on Israel are as a response to assassinations of Hamas' leaders by Israel.
The motor attacks have resulted in 3 Israeli deaths. I don't condone that but it does not justify the murder of hundreds of civilians and the destruction of Gaza for all it's inhabitants.
Even the Nazi's in occupied Paris did not wreak that level of retribution for attacks by the French Resistance.
I see it as on a par to what is happening in Syria.
I see it as hypocrisy that 'the west', who are supposed to be 'the good guys' do not condemn it in the same way.
This is the effect of the mortar shells fired at Israel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Palestinian_rocket_attacks_on_Israel,_2011
Typically, they cause no damage, often even landing in their own area.