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Middle East Analysis

Sending the Right Message Through the Right Actions

By Kadura Fares, senior member, Fatah movement; member, Palestinian peace coalition (Haaretz)

posted on 03/26/08

Housing Minister Ze’ev Boim explained away the construction of 750 new housing units in the settlement of Givat Ze’ev by saying that the permits had been issued in 1999, but that construction had stopped due to, as he put it, the "outbreak of violence." …

The conclusion: Only when we launch an uprising does construction in the settlements cease; under the umbrella of negotiations, the settlement enterprise is revived. This, despite the fact that every Palestinian and every Israeli knows that the settlements are the main obstacle to a peace treaty. Fortunately, the present Palestinian leadership consists of people like me who continue to believe, despite all the difficulties, in a peaceful solution to the conflict, through dialogue and negotiation. We are on the verge of despair, but we still hope that the Palestinian people will get what they deserve through diplomatic means.

We have a bitter dispute with those who believe that only violence will bring independence and freedom. Do the members of the Israeli government hear our voices as well, or do they listen only to those calling for armed struggle? I know that such a struggle will not lead to surrender on either side, but rather only to suffering, mourning and loss. Does the Israeli government also understand this?

I listened closely to the Israeli housing minister’s statements. They have one clear meaning: Do you want to stop construction in the settlements? Violence is the only way. Dialogue with the Israeli government will not help. Explanations about the damage settlement construction causes to the peace process will not help. Neither will stressing the despair this construction sows among the Palestinians—who see how Israel determines facts on the ground although the reality should be determined in negotiation. Access the full article>>