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SOMETIMES IS SEEMS as if the violence and pain that characterise the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians are the result of a natural intractable phenomenon.
Sometimes it also feels as if the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories is as reliable as the sunrise in the morning. Luckily, history teaches us that just as we can rely on a warm glow to greet us each morning, we know that it is only a matter of time until people living under foreign rule will be liberated.
The resolution of this particular conflict is neither far off nor obscured. Ending the occupation and establishing two states on the basis of the 1967 borders will not only ensure the continued legitimate existence of the state of Israel, but will also allow for Palestinians to live freely and securely in their own state.
Peace and dignity over conflict and oppression
It is in this spirit that the recent decision of Seanad Éireann to recognise the state of Palestine is most welcome. In doing so, the members of Seanad Éireann have chosen not Palestine over Israel nor Israel over Palestine, but peace and dignity over conflict and oppression.
The recent Seanad vote followed similar initiatives in Britain and Sweden. These are brave and necessary steps towards putting Israel and Palestine on the road to peace.
The European Community adopted the two-state solution over 34 years ago, upon signing the Venice Declaration. The declaration criticised the Israeli policy of occupation and settlement construction as being contrary to international law and UN resolutions 242 and 338. In addition, it recognised the right of the Palestinian people to full self-determination and stated that the PLO should be involved in negotiations geared toward peace.
At the time, Israeli officials did not warmly receive the statement. However, the signing of the Oslo Accords 13 years later occurred thanks to the courageous position adopted by Europe in 1980.
Today’s reality is undeniably different from that of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Nevertheless, it also shares many similarities with that era. Israelis and Palestinians live under arrangements many of which are the result of the Oslo Accords, although the hope that came with those agreements – for an end to the occupation and a resolution to the conflict – has sadly ebbed.
While the current Israeli government has paid lip service to the international community in agreeing to participate in negotiations with the Palestinians, throughout the talks it proceeded to promote its settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Recent reports of Israel’s ongoing construction on Palestinian land only reinforces what is clear to anyone who has observed the conduct of Israeli leadership in recent years: if nothing stands in Israel’s way, our leadership intends to continue its military control over the Palestinians; to maintain the separation between Gaza and the West Bank; and to tighten its control over Area C (which constitutes 60% of the West Bank) and East Jerusalem.
A dangerous policy for both Palestinians and Israelis
If executed, these steps will bring about a reality defined by de facto annexation of the aforementioned territories. This policy is dangerous not only for Palestinians, who will always be the primary victims, but also for Israelis, who can no longer hide behind fickle negotiations while continuing to systematically violate the rights of the Palestinians under their control. The facts on the ground sabotage the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Europe has changed since the early ’80s, but today it can still play a leading role similar to the one it assumed over three decades ago. The Swedish government’s recent decision to recognise a Palestinian state, along with the similar symbolic decision adopted by the British House of Commons and Seanad Éireann, are steps in the right direction that I hope other European countries will follow.
Hope for change fades along with the Israeli government’s determination to continue the occupation. Within the parameters of this bleak reality, international recognition of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders is a necessary step to promote the two-state solution. Such recognition does not mark an end to negotiations, but rather the first necessary step toward a renewed and more balanced process.
Much like the Venice Declaration, recognition of a Palestinian state reflects the commitment of the countries that adopt this policy to the self-determination of both Palestinian and Jewish people.
Only two states will be able to bring about freedom, security and equality for both Israelis and Palestinians by ensuring that national aspirations for both peoples are realised.
Today, Israel is not in need of alleged friends that allow it to continue to trample this resolution. Israel needs true friends that will serve as partners in realising this vision.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Seanad Éireann for its gesture of friendship in voting to recognise Palestine, and I deeply hope that Dáil Éireann will follow suit.
Ilan Baruch is a former Israeli Ambassador to South Africa.
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The majority of the people in Ireland recognise Palestine so those employed by us in government should do the same.
Well said Glen.
I think it’s important to point out that when people come on here and are accused of being anti-Semite, Jewish people like the author of the piece above are the Jews that they have absolutely no problem with and are therefore not anti-Semite …….
Miko Peled on Youtube is another Jewish man worth checking out he makes the same arguments as the so called Anti-semite Keyboard Warriors” – further ridiculing the anti-Semite tag !
I think it’s fair to say that the opposition is directed against the “military solution” being the only option is the unifying theme of those who are branded anti-Semite – is the author of the above piece ; a Jewish man of standing, an anti-Semite ?
I think most people agree a two state solution is the only real answer. The difficulty is defining borders that both sides will agree or compromise to and of course who will govern Palestine. The fanatical and dangerous Hamas or a proper Government who will govern Palestine focusing on economic growth, education and developing proper infrastructure…
Once the military threat was removed the politics in the North regardless of history – the political wing of the Loyalists were immense during the Peace Process and rarely get mentioned, the more violent or armed the Israelis are the more violent the Hamas will be – same in the North the I.R.A. only really grew after Ballymurphy and Bloody Sunday …..
Hamas are a reaction to the conditions not the cause ….
sorry …. once the threat was gone the politics turned to peaceful dialogue ….. the armelite can be taken out of politics is the point….
To be fair Dermot, a sovereign State has the right to protect its citizens and country from rockets being fired by militants who want to see you wiped from the planet….I don’t think anyone would argue with that…what I’m saying is a two State solution I believe is the only option that will work. It’s working out the logistics that’s the issue…
of course , but the first step is to stop repeating the military past – once Peace was on the agenda in the North Ian Paisley was off the R.T.E. News –
Peace can be whipped up by silencing those who whip up dissent ….
just a general point Cuppan – not having a go -speaking of which time to put on the kettle …
A TWO STATE SOLUTION:
The Israeli PR machine supports a two state solution only because it will never happen.
The ambassador is grateful to the Irish Senate for helping this propaganda along.
Israeli policy of building on Palestinian land forges ahead (some 900,000 Jewish homes) to date and counting.
Are these soon to be 1 million Jewish homes to be vacated when this two state solution is created?
Where will the occupants be accommodated in the tiny Israel remaining as a half state / nation?
This is why Israeli policy is to encourage others to call for the impossible two state solution.
And Israeli policy is perpetual expansion into Palestinian lands.
Ppersons interested in the israeli/Islamic conflict in the Mid-East might benefit from below.
Friday Sermon
Abd. Al-Qader Al-Kilani Mosque
Israel should prosecuted for war crimes against the Palestinian people.
So should the Hamas leadership, even more so.
Jason you should know that statements like yours will not go down well with the terrorist lovers!
You shoukd also know under the UN charter that an occupied people have the right to resistance, peaceful and armed. Free Palestine from the Z!onist entity that was imposed on it
Ian, do you support a 2 state solution?
So basically Ian, you’re saying that one side is perfectly entitled to kill innocent civilians?
The only way to end these war crimes on both sides is to recognise Palestine as a state.
This government finds it hard to recognise its own people never mind Palestine.
Can’t believe it took 10 comments or so for someone to bring it back to something against Enda and co. The journal is so boring
You’re boring.
Hamas needs to reform and announce elections and recognise Israel’s right to peaceful existence before anything else.
Agreed. But interesting perspective from a veteran diplomat and worth listening to. I remember this guy caused quite a conversation in Israel when he resigned back in 2011 over govt policy.
While I agree on the need for current Israeli policy to change, he should also have addressed far more strongly the vicious campaign Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groups have waged since their creation.
I would say that recognizing someone’s right to peaceful existence is hard when they are bulldozing your home. stealing your land , murdering your children and interning your people in the worlds largest concentration camp.
IHi Jason
As promised please find below some information which I hope will be of use to you. If you have any questions please get back to me.
Kind regards
Dermot
Some facts about Gaza
In August 2005, Israel withdrew unilaterally from the Gaza Strip. It removed all its soldiers and all 8,000+ Israeli residents. Up to then, since 2001, rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into Israel had been running at an average of about 10 per week. Since Hamas came to power that has increased to an average of 36 a week.
Without the violence of Hamas, Israel has no interest in attacking Gaza. And if Israel’s real aim were to commit genocide on the people of Gaza, as has been alleged, it has the power to kill vastly greater numbers than it did. During the war, twelve ceasefires were observed by Israel; all of them were rejected or broken
The aim of Hamas is not to bring about a free Palestinian state living alongside Israel. If that were its aim, it would have accepted Israel’s withdrawal in 2005 as a first instalment.
From the Preface: “Israel will rise and will remain erect until Islam eliminates it”
Israel needs to dismantle the concentration camp walls, stop illegal land grabs and repatriate stolen lands back to Palestinian ownership. Immediately.
Israel needs to end its illegal vicious siege and stop its landgrab before anything else.
In 2005 Israel removed its illegal colonists from occupied land and began an illegal siege of the civilian population for daring to elect a government not to its liking. It also placed the population on a ‘diet’ as part of this collective punishment and regularly murders farmers and fishermen trying to feed their families. It is no wonder the resistance is forced to retaliate from time to time to try and stop the slaughter.
The Palestinians need there own state not to be treated like prisoners in an open air prison. The government should recognise Palestinian state as should the world .
An open air prison with 1700 millionaires? Nice for some but Hamas treats the people of Gaza with contempt [as do most Arabs for that matter ].
” “From the hand-carved bed in the al-Mashtal’s royal suite you look straight out to the setting sun casting pink and orange hues over the darkening Mediterranean. Below the expansive terrace, scattered with wicker sun loungers, is a lavish swimming pool set in tastefully landscaped gardens.
Six floors down, polished glasses line the shelves of the hotel’s piano bar. Crisp cotton sheets dress the beds; fluffy bathrobes hang in gleaming bathrooms. Behind the oak reception desk in the vast marble-floored lobby a charming young woman with long curls and a welcoming smile greets visitors.” Harriet Sharwood of the Guardian no less
Sensible article by the former Ambassador. Hope our Government does this as soon as possible. The human rights situation is getting worse every day.
Indeed, you can’t even use the jaccuzi in Rosys beauty saloon according to the Guardian
“He did not speak carelessly. His Rosy spa has provided services that create a fit body and a fresh spirit. It has a steam room, a sauna, a small gym, and a beauty parlour. There used to be a Jacuzzi, but Faris had to drain it in 2006 because he could not import the right filters.” Every hooman has the right to a jaccuzi.
And her’e something even more sensible from someone who all fair-minded persons should wish well in getting elected to the Knesset.
From United With Israel Staff/Dec.9
Anett Haskia is an Arab Muslim Zi*nist. By serving as a role model for young Arab Israelis, she hopes to influence change and help bring about a lasting peace.
At first glance, Anett Haskia appears to be your typical Israeli mother. But this Israeli mother of three is anything but typical. Born and raised in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Acre (Akko), Haskia describes herself as an Arab Muslim Zi*nist. She is a proud Israeli citizen who loves her country
Haskia is also running for the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), but not as a member of an Arab party. She hopes to win a seat in the Bayit Yehudi(Jewish Home) party – a party whose constitution and platform is religious (Jewish) Zi*nist. She believes that her presence in the party and in the Knesset could help bring about the changes necessary to set Israel in the direction towards real peace.
Not that Haskia believes in the so-called peace process of recent years. Like most supporters of Bayit Yehudi, she believes that the “two-state delusion” is a recipe for disaster that puts Israel’s very existence at risk and will do nothing to achieve peace in the end.
Positive change, says Haskia, must begin with a strong Arab Israeli leadership, re-education and a new rapprochement between the Government of Israel and her loyal Arab citizens.
Arab-Israeli Identity Shift
To that end, Anett has begun to create programs for Israeli-Arab schools in order to help shift the identity of young Israeli Arabs from that of “Palestinian” to “Israeli.” She says that they need to stop observing Nakba Day (Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe, and in this case refers to the creation of the Jewish State) and to start celebrating Israeli Independence Day – for without the State of Israel, the Arab community would not enjoy the freedoms that are unique to Israel in the Middle East.
Most Arab Israelis know, even if they will not admit it out loud, that they have far more freedom and rights than they would in any other country in the region.
I think all fair minded people realise a 2 state solution is the only future for the region. What form of government will palestine have and where it’s borders will be is a much tougher discussion.
Recognising Palestine is not a problem for Israel as has been shown so many times but how can any sane person recognise Hamas ?
I’ve no idea. Call me old fashioned but i can’t see the appeal of devoutly anti-semitic homophobic bigoted misogynistic islamofacists…
The government will do what is best for Ireland/West…. despite the desire of the far left to pander to Islamic fundamentalism
Cop on.
Great retort
Yeah sure, anyone who criticizes Israel is pandering to Islamic fundamentalism. I might as well say anyone who criticizes the Palestinians is a far right bigot pandering to fascist war criminals. See how that works?
Well said gearoid.
Orwell must be spinning in his grave with this lad hijacking his moniker.
I hope they do as well.
It will be an utter disgrace if we don’t. Would be nice to see the Israeli Ambassador kicked out while we’re at it but that’s probably wishful thinking..
Sure of course the Irish antisemites and Israel haters (same thing) will vote to recognise the Palestinian Arab State but perhaps they should stop and ponder on what they are asking Israel to accept. I mean Ireland has made such a wonderful job of its own country eh!
Some things to ponder before handing over the hills of Judea looking down from a few miles distance on Ben Gurion Airport and the Trans Israel Highway…
Canadian Muslim: “Waging jihad against the West and its allies around the world is beyond a shadow of the doubt a religious obligation binding upon every Muslim”
Head of Syrian army after alleged airstrikes: Israel working with ISIS and al-Qaida
Jihad in Sweden: Firebombs thrown at police in Stockholm riot
France: 8-Year-Old Jewish Girl Harassed, Abused by Muslim Classmates
Jordan’s King Abdullah: Battling the Islamic State (ISIS) Is ‘Our Third World War’
Boko Haram Slaughters More Christians as it Expands ‘Caliphate’ in Nigeria
Boko Haram Slaughters More Christians as it Expands ‘Caliphate’ in Nigeria
Jordan’s King Abdullah: Battling the Islamic State (ISIS) Is ‘Our Third World War’
Bosnia: Supporters of Islamic State stab imam who opposes it
Poll: 80% of “Palestinians” support jihad terror attacks on Israeli civilians
Islamic State beheads four children for refusing to convert to Islam
Islamic State beheads man for “blasphemy”
Islamic State using former churches as prisons
(headlines from blogs all based on facts which will not be refuted here)
(I can go on and fill several pages like this. But the ordinary working class person in Ireland has a good idea about all of this. Thus the members of the Dail are either Antisemitic in that they just hate Israel and therefore they hate Jews, or they are stupid which is actually a certainty, or they are using this as a diversion to stir up Antisemitism in the Irish to make them forget about the poverty and uemployment which plagues the country)
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