In “Israel’s” new agenda Sharon maximizes Lawlessness of conflict while he further expands settlements
source: Aljazeera.com, 15-10-2005.
By: Remi Kanazi
summary: Formal talks between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and "Israeli" Prime Minister Ariel Sharon were put on hold last week. The first face to face dialogue between the two since the "disengagement" of the Gaza Strip was sidelined for a second time because of a difference in "objectives." While Palestinians-trying to break "Israel's" cycle of unilateral procedure-demand action and fundamental change, "Israel" essentially intends on acting as the High Court, examining Palestinian requests. This postponement symbolizes the Palestinian people's unending struggle in their efforts to achieve justice.
It is not a coincidence that "Israeli" forces have already invaded the Gaza Strip in the post-disengagement era, reserving the "right" to reinvade in the future. The power and the decision to exert it rests firmly in Sharon's hands as it has since the start of U.S. President George Bush's "war on terror." The world witnessed the onslaught of "Israel's" Operation First Rain two weeks ago. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), the invasion left 8 Palestinian civilians dead, 35 civilians injured, and over 300 arrested. By taking on the role of a strict warden, Sharon will show mercy on the Palestinian prisoners, so long as they exhibit their ability to fall in line and follow his orders. Until then, it is lights out in the Occupied Territories.
Regrettably, President Abbas sits silently in the background, without political or military ammunition. Palestinian web portal, The Electronic Intifada, quoted a Palestinian police officer stating, "At least give us enough bullets to protect people and protect our stations." The evolution of competent and equipped security forces in the Occupied Territories is exactly what Sharon is trying to avoid. Sharon's minions cleverly proclaim that they cannot give the Palestinian Authority (PA) weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and other security equipment until Abbas and the PA have earned "Israel's" trust. Both parties know, however, that the PA cannot combat armed groups, or better yet, create a firm presence and authority, without first having the proper equipment.
Sharon's credo is to maximize the lawlessness of the conflict. This furthers the greater agenda: the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem (al-Quds) and the appropriation of Palestinian land by way of extension of the Apartheid Wall. The infighting in Palestinian society has emboldened Sharon's modus operandi and exemplifies the lack of rule in Gaza. All the while, Sharon plays the part of the "peacemaker" who is just waiting for the Palestinians to get their act together.
Since the "disengagement" of the Gaza Strip, little has been mentioned of the 30 Palestinians killed, the many more wounded, the houses destroyed, or the continual restriction of movement. While Abbas has called for the release of the 7000 Palestinian prisoners in "Israeli" jails, next to nothing has been said of the torture of Palestinian prisoners, or the objectivity of the "Israeli" courts sentencing the Palestinians apprehended.
According to the "Israeli" newspaper Haaretz, the "Israeli" Occupation Forces (IOF) will recommend that the "Israeli" government "release additional Palestinian prisoners" in a move to strengthen the position of President Abbas. Any concession from "Israel" is welcome. One must look, however, at what is being conceded. In the last month, "Israeli" forces have detained nearly 600 Palestinians. If the IOF continues its mass arrest campaign, then releases 400 prisoners as it had in June of this year, the magnitude of the release will be quite small.
"Israel" is using smoke and mirror maneuvers to appease the international community while the situation on the ground remains the same or worsens. The Bethlehem based Ma'an news agency reported this week that Walid Khaled, held already for 51 months without being charged, will be detained for a twelfth consecutive term under a renewed "Israeli" order.
This "administrative detention," is in stark contrast to international law, which, according to human rights group B'Tselem, "prohibits the transfer of detainees outside of occupied territory." Based on IOF numbers (which are believed to be much higher), B'Tselem found that 596 Palestinians were held in "administrative detention" as of August of this year.
The occupation presses forward, suffocating the will of the majority of the Palestinian people who want an end to the conflict. It is not enough to throw the Palestinians a bone once in a while. The Palestinian leadership must straighten its spine and demand that the international community pressure "Israel" to make fundamental concessions. The issues concerning the control of the borders, water, airspace, ports and goods coming in and out of Gaza remains unresolved. The deteriorating conditions of poverty, malnutrition and unemployment in the Occupied Territories, as the world witnessed prior to the second Intifada, wane on Palestinian public opinion.
Those in "Israel" who support peace must not forgo this opportunity to initiate calm and bring justice to a besieged people. A "window of opportunity," is only meaningful if "Israeli" society takes advantage of situation and demands cooperation from its leadership.
