The very fact that the Israelis are pulling out of Gaza and leaving the territory into the hands of the Palestinian authority, is little short of a miracle, especially under the premiership of Ariel Sharon. Not only are the Israelis pulling out but they are forcing the hard-line Jewish settlers on the Gaza-strip to abandon their settlements and leave for Israel-proper thus sparking very angry protests among the hard-line Jewish segments of Israeli society.
If only that were so simple. The fact we all know is that Gaza has little or no value in itself for the Israeli government. Now, however, they are using that small strip of barren land as a token of their goodwill and will cynically use the events of this week as a bargaining chip in the future when the real negotiations begin over the future of the West-Bank and, most importantly of all, East-Jerusalem.
One can not emphasize enough the psychological and emotional value the biblical landscape has on the Israeli soul. They are more than happy to let go of Gaza, which never meant anything for them anyway, if that concession gives them leeway in the future negotiations.
One thing is certain. As long as the injustice of the 1967 borders is not redressed, there can be no hope of peace in the region. Pessimists, of course, say that there is no such hope anyway.
If only that were so simple. The fact we all know is that Gaza has little or no value in itself for the Israeli government. Now, however, they are using that small strip of barren land as a token of their goodwill and will cynically use the events of this week as a bargaining chip in the future when the real negotiations begin over the future of the West-Bank and, most importantly of all, East-Jerusalem.
One can not emphasize enough the psychological and emotional value the biblical landscape has on the Israeli soul. They are more than happy to let go of Gaza, which never meant anything for them anyway, if that concession gives them leeway in the future negotiations.
One thing is certain. As long as the injustice of the 1967 borders is not redressed, there can be no hope of peace in the region. Pessimists, of course, say that there is no such hope anyway.
Vastaukset 1
Vanhimmat
I just ask why ?