http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ArticleNews.jhtml?itemNo=571423&contrassID=13&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0
Gaza under Palestinian rule: Calm or cataclysm?
Ariel Sharon has pledged to evacuate all 21 settlements and
withdraw the thousands of Israeli troops from Gaza by the end of this year.
He has voiced confidence that the monumental effort to undo nearly
four decades of Israeli presence in the Strip will go as planned. But his army
chief has warned "not to expect the Messiah to come after July," and that a
surge of violence could accompany the withdrawal and the period to follow.
Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, appears
ill-equipped to meet the challenges of rule in Gaza, long the stronghold of
Hamas support in the territories.
What can be expected to characterize Palestinian rule after Israel
has pulled out of Gaza? What can and should Israel do if terror attacks and
Palestinian shelling emanate from the Strip? What role should Washington and
the international community play in fostering Palestinian rule and curbing a
resurgence of terrorism?
What you think
I foresee cataclysm as long as the leadership of the Palestinian
people continue to run roughshod over the people. Arafat kept monies for
himself. Has there been any other change since then? Who knows?
Israel should retaliate for shelling if the Palestinian
"leadership" refuses to stop it. The U.S. should continue to back Israel and if
the Palestinians stop their terrorism, they should back a legitimate
government.
The international community should do the same. No one should
condone terrorism.
Wesley Jaeger, United States of America
Who would bet their hard earned money on the Palestinians getting
it right?
I think I'll invest my money elsewhere.
When the Arab world learns not to hate Israel/The West, etc., then
there will be a chance for them to make progress. Which will mean progress for
everybody.
Richard Collis, London, United Kingdom
If there is still widespread poverty after the withdrawal
from Gaza then there may be problems.
Christopher Linthwaite, Beverley, United Kingdom
If Gaza can thrive economically and all the inhabitants share in
any new found wealth there would be a swell of opinion within the local
indigenous population which could possibly stop any attacks on Israel because
any repercussions made by Israel would prevent this economic rivival. However,
if there is still widespread poverty after the withdrawal from Gaza then there
may be problems. However, is it not right to at least try and see what happens
rather than condemning any moves to failure before they have even begun?
Obviously as a soveriegn state Israel has the right to defend herself if
attacked.
Christopher Linthwaite, Beverley, United Kingdom
During the Vietnam war I witnessed a debate between a Vietnamese
and an American. The question was "who will win?" The American extolled all the
advantages of the United States - large population, wealth, military might etc.
The Vietnamese responded "the Americans will get tired of fighting and dying
and will someday pack up and go home. We can't leave - Vietnam is our home."
Tad Chase, Hillsborough, United States of America
The situation in Gaza largely depends on Israel.
Ash Aita, Indiana, United States of America
The situation in Gaza largely depends on Israel. If Israel only
tries to do maneuver withdrawal that only serves its interests without any real
sovereignty for a real state such as borders, sea, air, and self determination,
then this will not bring any peace for either Israelis or Palestinians.
Moreover, if the withdrawal stops with Gaza without the West Bank and Jerusalem
then peace will not be achieved neither. People in Gaza will not stand by while
their own people are being occupied, their land confiscated and subjected to
daily humiliation at the checkpoints.
What is needed is a true Israeli withdrawal that stems from the
realization that Palestinian as human beings who deserve to live freely in
their own country and not tactical moves here and there as we always have
witnessed. Will Israel do that? I do not think so but lets hope that will not
be the case for the sake of future generations.
Ash Aita, Indiana, United States of America
I think that when the Palestinians get their land back, Israel
should not expect any kind jestures by them. The Palestinians are not willing
to disarm their terrorist groups, because they fear them; and so they will
eventually become a political party, while still remaining a terrorist group.
Either way, one can expect them to become the ones who truly influence and rule
the Palestinian people, and thus are still Israel's enemy.
Leonel Yabo Bionicman, Indianapolis, United States of America
To Ralph K, LA, United States of America: I think you and those
people who have the same thinking are terrorists. Bombing Afghanistan created
more violence in the world. You have to differentiate between terrorists and
those who defend their homeland. Palestinians are under occupation and it's
their right which is gauranteed by international law and by all norms to resist
the occupier. Just imagine you are Palestinian who lives under occupation; I
would really want to know what's your reaction to that; imagine the Israeli
army demolishing your home; imagine your son killed by a missile in front of
your eyes or your wife delivers her baby on a checkpoint because the Israeli
army won't let her car pass the checkpoint...
Sam Bsharat, Amman, Jordan
Well I beleive it's about time to withdraw from the Gaza strip.
Some people say that the Palestinian's will have a better way to attack the
Israeli's after such a withdrawal. Well this is a wrong saying. Before anyone
can pass judgment on such an issue they have to see for themselves how the
Palestinian people live in Gaza today. Both the Palestinian's and the Israeli's
need this withdrawl. I think that the PA will take a good control after the
withdrawl but it needs time to fix all the damage that the IDF has done during
the last year. When the Palestinian's feel that they are safe they will not
think of attacking because 90% of the Palestinian's desire peace.
Kosay Sami, Cairo, Egypt
This evacacuation is way overdue but when will it be enough. To
evacuate 8,000 people, it almost created chaos, can you imagine 250,000? The
palestinians have to face some of the realities that will never change: ie.most
of the settlers are there to stay.
Another reality is that hamas will never let their arms down, thus
preventing any real control from the PA. The palestinian people are very
determined, but have to stop being an apologetic people and blaming israel for
all their problems. Only when the ordinary palestinian is going to start
shouting in the streets against fundamentalist extremists, they will realize
that their is a true chance for peace.
Patrick Bensoussan, montreal, Canada
Speculation about the aftermath of 'disengagement' is idle as long
as the details are not known. If withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is not complete
such that the Palestinians have no sovereignty over their borders, air space
and their coast line and hence no real prospects for improving their lot, an
a-priori prescription for failure is just a matter of time
michael nathanson, san jose, United States of America
The Palestinians hopefully will perform better than the Iraqis or
the Lebanese, if they can learn from the mistakes of others.
Certainly it's been both a blessing and a curse to the Arabs that
they have spared themselves the convulsions of the 20th century, the hallmarks
of which are genocide and total war.
A blessing because they have spared themselves an almost
unimaginable degree of suffering, in part through the relatively stable and
relatively peaceful social compact of Arab societies and in part because the
region was simply at the far edge of the centers of gravity in the political
sense of the word.
In other words, the region lacked intrinsic political power,
particularly after the collapse of the Ottomans. Nonetheless, today it finds
itself at the vortex of world politics because of oil, which will be ever more
imprtant with countries like China entering the demand side with a vengeance,
and because of the psychological and political effects the lingering so-called
Jewish question still has on the West.
A curse because the very lack of upheaval and violent change has
caused a rigidity of mind and a lack of experience, political and social,
unparallelled anywhere. Truly, a blessing and a curse. This is the challenge to
them.
stephanie schwartz, houston, United States of America
Palestinian Rule in Gaza will be like the warlords in Afganistian,
full of violence and chaos. This will become more of a terrorist center than
already is.
Terror attacks from Gaza should be dealt with harshly in a military
fashion such as the US bombardment of Afganistan.
Ralph K, LA, United States of America
It is not enough to withdraw, Israel must live up to her role
as a light unto the nations.
Yaniv Cohen, Manchester, United Kingdom
Disengagement is not enough. It is Israel's moral duty as the only
'democratic' nation in the region to become the 'light unto the nations' it
purports to be. Israel needs to shine its light of democracy bright enough so
the Palestinian people (not corrupt leadership) can embrace justice, freedom
and democracy. Israel is the only party to this conflict which can bring to the
Palestinian people the dignity and respect they deserve. We must help these
Palestinians to establish a state for themselves and not money grabbing
fraudsters like Arafat and Abbas.
It's just as shame we will have to resettle the settlers in our
democratic State of Israel as freedom, justice and democracy are not concepts
these trouble makers are aware of.
Yaniv Cohen, Manchester, United Kingdom
Palestinian rule in Gaza will be like the warlords in Afghanistan,
full of violence and chaos. This will become more of a terrorist center than it
already is. Terror attacks from Gaza should be dealt with harshly in a military
fashion such as the U.S. bombardment of Afghanistan.
Ralph K, LA, United States of America
There is no Israeli pullout! There is only the evacuation of
illegal settlers. As long as Gaza's beaches and air space are under the
occupier's control, it there can be no complete pullout or end to the
occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Calm will depend on Palestinian freedom offered by the occupier in
Gaza. Freedom of movement, safety, development. That would satisfy the people's
needs, and thus determine the question of calm or "cataclysm!"
By the way, "terrorism" while under occupation was also the
statement used by British relating to American resistance few centuries ago.
Shadi Fada, Beirut, Lebanon
Support Abbas in curbing Hamas, open and repair the airport in Gaza
again, let palestinians sell their goods, and give them a hint that they will
be able to obtain a future and progress with peacefull means, otherwise
erverything will start again..
Daniel Katz, Copenhagen, Denmark
When you surrender partially your enemy takes that as
evidence that you are weak.
Gary Cooperberg, Kiryat Arba, Israel
Like it or not we are at war. When you surrender partially your
enemy takes that as evidence that you are weak and moves in for the kill. The
PLO has no intention of making peace with an Israel of any size. Should this
insane surrender take place it will only inspire our enemies to work even
harder to destroy Israel. Our only choice, as always is to fight for what is
ours or die. It is truly a pity that our leaders are so determined to give our
enemies a chance to inflict so much needless harm upon Israel. We will have no
choice but to take it all back and the price will be both Jewish and Arab
lives.
Gary Cooperberg, Kiryat Arba, Israel
For those who oppose the "Escape from Gaza", I would say this is
just the beginning. I srael cannot keep occupying palestinian land forever. If
Israel wants to live in peace in that region, it must pullout to the 1967 line
and accept a sovereign Palestinian state. The course of history might change
anytime; arrogance won't last forever. Israel has to treat the palestinians as
human beings. Palestinians are not terrorists. Israel has stolen their land and
kicked them out of their villages, towns and cities. Go and read history and be
fair to the Palestinians. Injustice won't prevail; tyranny won't last either.
If you(Israelis) want your kids to live in peace, you have to allow the
Palestinians to do that too.
sam bsharat, amman, Jordan
Once again your question puts the cart before the horse, as if this
grotesque plan is a done deal.
The only calm that will occur is when this vile plan is abandoned
and Jews throughout the world will once more unite against a common enemy-the
ones who seek our destruction.
Choni & Miriam Davidowitz Davidowitz, Durban, South Africa
The answer to this formidable powder keg will depend very much on
the role that the rapidly deteriorating government of Egypt will play in its
return to the Gaza-Egypt border.
But, given the history of the people involved it looks as if a
tinder box is about to be ignited near that powder keg.
Stude Ham, Outremont, Canada
The pullout is the best act in any case.
Israeli solders will have less stress and a better life, the same
for the israeli civilian.
Israel should concentrate on its own problems and strengthen its
power to become a strong economic and social country.
This will give Israelis all the power to succeed in all fields.
Investing in kindergarden, schools and education is the key.
R. Fried, Caesarea, Israel
I think the chaos in the Gaza Strip will be less than
expected. 8,000 illegal settlers are clearing out of 33% of Gaza land space,
which means that the 1,100,000 Palestinians (occupying 67% of land) will have
more room to move in their prison.
Stephen Murray, Amsterdam, Netherlands Antilles
I think the chaos in the Gaza Strip will be less than expected.
8,000 illegal settlers are clearing out of 33% of Gaza land space, which means
that the 1,100,000 Palestinians (occupying 67% of land) will have more room to
move in their prison.
They will celebrate and one can't blame them.
If terrorism recommences then the Israeli response should be
designed to reign in militants but not collective punishment ie no home
demolitions and certainly Settlers not be allowed back in.
The international community needs to offer larges-scale financial
aid to be administered by an international body deemed neutral by the
international community (not deemed neutral by Israel or Palestinians).
They should also seriously step up the pressure to start large
scale disengagement from the West Bank and the issue of settlements around
Jerusalem needs to be stopped ie Israel must be told that settlement activity
is illegal and there will be economic repercussions for Israel for ignoring
this.
Occupation corrupts occupiers - this happens everywhere. Hence
Israel needs to be firmly told where its boundaries lie.
Stephen Murray, Amsterdam, Netherlands Antilles
As someone watching this withdrawal with excrutiating pain the one
thing that comforts me is the fact that our enemies since 1948 are about to be
given a face. A face that we can now really take revenge on if G-d forbid this
terror continues.
I am left in no doubt that the same anarchy present today in
Ramallah will prevail in Gaza, the Palestinians (or Gazans) will squalor in the
same poverty they have for the last however many years and now they will only
have their own leadership to blame.
Marc Levy, Jerusalem, Israel
I think its about time that the Palestinians will be given a chance
to form their own national state. I do believe that once a people has got
something to lose, and maybe a brighter future ahead, the bombings will stop,
not from one day to the next, but slowly, with time.
Cecilie Barner, Copenhagen, Denmark
I still don't think that the Gaza Jewish Expulsion will happen.
(Events will catch up with us before then?)
However, if it does, G-d forbid, all we can look forward to is
another round of anarchic chaos ...
Martin Leonard, Brisbane, Australia
I don't see why we should care what happens to the
Palestinians. Let us leave all that land that we were willing to give up to
Egypt in 1978. If they can't or won't take care of [militants] we'll have no
choice but to finally use the FULL force of the Israeli army and not send them
in with pea shooters like we had to in past.
Robert Fattal, Montreal, Canada
I don't see why we should care what happens to the Palestinians.
Let us leave all that land that we were willing to give up to Egypt
in 1978.
Let us leave the Philadelphi route, let us leave them to use their
sea port and airports. If they use it to fight us then we'll ask the
international community to take care of them.
If they can't or won't take care of [militants] we'll have no
choice but to finally use the FULL force of the Israeli army and not send them
in with pea shooters like we had to in past.
And, when it comes to the land in the West Bank they will simply
get back less land. Enough already.
Robert Fattal, Montreal, Canada
Mr. Victor Luria feels that Gaza will become a hotbed of corruption.
I wonder if Mr. Luria is aware that his description is of Israel,
where corruption is rife from government circles to the private sector. Always
easier, though to see it in the other rather than self.
Yaakov Sullivan, New York, United States of America
Rewind the clock back to Lebanon 1975-1990.
Yariv Cohen, Marlton, United States of America
Israel will live to rue the day it left Gaza. Chances are,
sooner or later it will have to go back to impose calm.
Batya Dagan, Los Angeles, United States of America
Where do you have calm under Palestinian rule? Why should there be
any calm in Gaza? Calm is against the grain.
When there is calm there should be law and order, that means no
terror groups and no criminal gangs of all sorts. What gives us the impression
that this is what will take place in the Gaza Strip?
Israel will live to rue the day it left Gaza. Chances are, sooner
or later it will have to go back to impose calm.
Batya Dagan, Los Angeles, United States of America
What can be expected: First, Palestinians will proudly put Hamas
offices in settler homes.
Most likely, settler homes will be transformed in centers for
honoring major killers of Jews, such as Sheikh Yassin and Yehye Ayash.
Second, what will not be given to Hamas, will be stolen by PA
chiefs - the homes are nice, so we may be sure no refugee will ever live there.
Major figures in the PA kleptocracy will.
Third, we should expect the settlements to become main launchpads
for rockets against Israeli towns.
Fourth, I hope Israel will pursue the terrorists wherever they are.
If terrorists bomb Sderot, I hope the IDF will go after them, wherever they are
- anywhere in Gaza.
Victor Luria, New York, United States of America
It's a test for both the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian
society to prove that they can move beyond their entitlement policy for
violence.
Some would claim that this hurdle is set unrealistically high, and
designed for failure. However, it is yet the latest opportunity provided to the
Palestinians to prove that they can live in peace with Israel and develop a
productive society rather than continue their national mantra of armed
resistance and production of blood and fire.
Jacob Blues, New York CIty, United States of America
Palestinians do know what's good for them and what's bad for
them. Palestinians will be fine and no fighting will occur between them (God's
will). Give the Palestinians their freedom and leave them alone.
Sam Bsharat, Amman, Jordan
I do not think anything bad will happen between the Palestinian
factions.
Palestinians do know what's good for them and what's bad for them.
Israel: Stay away from the Palestinians and they would manage
themselves;
Palestinians will be fine and no fighting will occur between them
(God's will).
As long as Israel is out, Palestinians should be fine. Give the
Palestinians their freedom and leave them alone.
I would starve rather than being under occupation.
If Israel withdraws from the West bank, there will be peace.
Otherwise: Dream on...
Sam Bsharat, Amman, Jordan
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon should be recognized for undoing what
Yitzchak Rabin and Shimon Peres were doing for 7 full years.
Unfortunately, he is not listening to his army chief and to his
inner heart.
President Mahmoud Abbas looks to be a decent human being,
especially without
the kerchief of Yasser Arafat. But I do not believe he will fulfill
his mission as leader of the PA.
Arnold Smith, Toronto, Canada
I see a bloodbath, Palestinian versus Palestinian. But the
bloodbath will come sooner or later. Let Israel get out before it does.
Zal, Albany, United States of America
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