The Palestinian issue has had, and to this day, continues to hold a significant place in history and world politics. It is a conflict like no other in that there seems to be no end in sight. It differs from other conflicts of occupation not only by its lengthy history, but for the mere fact that the goal of the occupier (Israel) seems to be the elimination of the occupied (Palestinians) to a point of genocide.
The Palestinians have all the attributes of
nationhood-a common history, language, traditions,
culture, a representative government recognized
universally by every segment of the Palestinian
population as well as by other countries (not
to mention their legal and historical right
to the land). Yet they do not control Palestine.
The United Nations has been very clear on
the imperatives for Palestinian national self-determination
as have other organizations and countries,
yet still the Palestinians have been alienated.
Today, more Palestinians than ever before
are born in exile and face the prospect of
continued exile. In the Occupied Territories,
more Israeli theft of land, more home demolitions,
more uprooting of crops, more illegal settlements,
more Israeli violence and collective punishment
have unsuccessfully attempted to break the
Palestinian national will. As Zionist and
Israeli leaders have openly stated, Palestinian
national claims are neither admissible nor
valid.
The inalienable rights of the Palestinians cannot be denied. The Palestinian people have spoken of their national destiny collectively in terms of accommodating the fundamental human rights of others. The Palestinian vision is predicated upon democracy and justice, not conquest. It is for this reason it has found so many supporters.
With the constant attempt at peace talks (albeit
one sided and comedic),proof of world support
for the Palestinians right to self-determination
is evident. Haven't the Palestinians done
enough by conceding to all of Israel's requests
(including the right to exist) tragically
"legitimizing" the atrocities they have suffered
at the hands of the illegal occupation. One
would assume that after the extraordinary
move to unconditionally and unilaterally recognize
Israel, they would have given something in
return and been willing to negotiate. One can only appreciate the stand Hamas, the democratically
elected representation for the Palestinians,
has now taken to withdraw recognition of Israel
until they abide by International laws and
morals. Unfortunately, Israel must be reminded
of the duty of reciprocity as they continue
to insist on more and more concessions. Let
the world be aware of who really wants peace.
The Israelis have always wanted to choose
who they will negotiate with. When in history
has a party of conflict been able to choose
who it will negotiate with? Nobody checks
on the members of sovereign states and similarly
in the case of the Palestinians, they cannot
accept the reaction of anyone to the designation
of its own representatives. If the Palestinian
leadership was to abdicate its responsibility
it would negate its sovereignty within the
Palestinian community. There is no alternative
Palestinian government other than the one that was democratically
elected. It is a simple question of legitimacy.
Whatever true leadership is democratically
elected and in position at the time of negotiation
will be the only leadership to negotiate on
behalf of the Palestinians and their rights,
hopes, memories and sufferings.
