For the first time in four and half years, there is a sense of optimism in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. What would come in the wake of Yassir Arafat’s death was unclear, and some feared that an opportunity for peace would be squandered by Palestinian factionalism or Israeli intervention. Fortunately, both sides have tried to keep the window of opportunity open. Israel went to great lengths to ensure a fair, democratic, Palestinian election, the first such election since 1996. At the risk of its own security, Israel lifted travel restrictions and removed roadblocks to make sure the maximum number of registered Palestinians could vote. Mahmoud Abbas, the newly elected President of the Palestinian Authority, has publicly disavowed the use of militarism against Israel. However, unlike his predecessor, he has followed his words with action.
Last week Abbas deployed Palestinian police in northern Gaza to stop the firing of Qassam rockets into Israel proper. The town of Sderot, just North of Gaza, has been particularly affected by these attacks, with rockets falling as often as every day, hitting kindergartens, community centers, and homes. Since the Palestinian police were deployed, there has not been a single rocket fired. In light of these developments, Israel has halted its military operations in Northern Gaza, noting that there is no need for such operations while Palestinian forces are making serious efforts to prevent such attacks.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Gaza withdrawal plan carries the support of roughly 2/3 of Israel’s population. The plan will effectively end the occupation of Gaza by evacuating the 8,000 Jewish settlers from their homes and withdrawing the Israeli military forces that protect them. In order to ensure that the evacuation will take place, Sharon recently formed a coalition with his main opposition party, Labor, against the internal turmoil and policy of his own Likud party. On the other side, Abbas is making progress towards moderating terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad towards a cease-fire. If he is successful, Abbas will achieve an unprecedented level of control over organizations whose self-stated objectives have been to destroy Israel and derail peaceful negotiations. As the first Palestinian leader to employ clear and forceful measures against terrorists in addition to negotiating with them, his chances of success are hopeful.
Although the efforts of each side are positive developments, the situation is still fragile. The test for Abbas is whether he can prevent a terrorist attack in Israel, which would potentially disrupt the recently established security coordination and diplomatic ties between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli government, in accordance with the popular will, has acted admirably in facilitating the actions necessary for a return to negotiations and thus peace. Now is the time to support both governments in their attempts for peace, and it is our duty to engage in on-campus discussion responsibly, not polemically. If you’re interested in learning more about the current situation in the Middle East, come to Kol Israel, Tuesdays at 9:00 PM in the Bayit (157 Church St.)
Leave a Reply