Back to newsletter listDate:
Tue, July 10, 2007 07:36:38 PMFrom:
Global Exchange - Palestine Human Rights
Subject:
Resources on the Crisis in Palestine
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 Palestine Human Rights |
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Dear Friend of Global Exchange, We are writing to update you on the current situation following Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip. On June 14, Hamas captured the Gaza City compound of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who responded by dissolving the government, declaring a state-of-emergency and appointing Salam Fayyad as the new Prime Minister. We believe that the events of the past few weeks are a result of months, even years, of pressure building in the Gaza Strip, and should be evaluated in the historical context of 60 years of dispossession and occupation. We condemn the violence carried out by both Hamas and Fatah, including the extra-judicial executions of both sides prior to and after the Hamas takeover. Nonetheless, we recognize that the US and Israel bear responsibility for dictating internal Palestinian politics and using methods that aim to fuel a growing rift between Hamas and Fatah. Both internal and external politics jeopardize the Gazan population and chances for a just solution.
Sharon's 2004 disengagement plan allegedly ended the occupation of Gaza, but Israel still controls Gaza's economy, resources and sovereignty through land, air & sea - and withholds vital resources at will. After Hamas won free & fair parliamentary elections in 2006, the US, Israel and the EU responded with a crippling boycott that hit hard on an economy solely dependent on international aid. By funding and supplying weapons and training Fatah, the US and Israel have not only deepened the rift between Hamas and Fatah, but also undermined the outcome of the 2006 electoral process. By rejecting Hamas' victory the US and Israel shunned an opportunity to integrate moderate factions of Hamas into the Palestinian political arena and to support the Quartet's prior request for democratization of the Palestinian Authority. The recent and confusing events raise several questions as to the legality of Abbas appointing the new Fayyad-led government as well as Hamas forming its new executive security forces in Gaza. No doubt, many Palestinians will perceive recent events as a means for the US and Israel to punish Hamas for undergoing a democratic process and adhering to Palestinian national rights while rewarding Fatah for conceding those rights. The US and Israel seem not to take into consideration that their collaboration with Fatah during this confrontation has de-legitimized Fatah in the eyes of many Palestinians. Global Exchange stands by its previous demands that the US government refrains from intervening in internal Palestinian politics, refrains from militarily supporting any faction in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and respects the outcomes of democratic elections. A just and lasting political solution will only be achieved by supporting an all-inclusive political process that involves all aspects of Palestinian civil society. |
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