| |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
TOPIC :: Gaza Disengagement Plan
Israel's unilateral decision to remove the 7000 Israeli settlers
from the Gaza strip and withdraw its forces was first brought to
light in February 2004 at the peak of international criticism of
Sharon's project of the Wall, with the Hague hearing scheduled to
begin just a few weeks later, on February 23. The strip is home
for 1.2 million Palestinians who currently control 60% of the 365
square kilometers. The Palestinians welcomed the plan as a step
in the right direction but noted that this should be the first step
and not the only step. Many issues are yet to be resolved regarding
this plan. Those include Israel's intention to raise to the ground
the homes of the settlers after vacating it. Those settlers were
compensated generously by the Israeli government while the Palestinians
receive no compensation for the 120,000 trees uprooted and 3,000
homes raised by the Israeli army. Let alone the use of their land
and resources and the massive toll on the population for 38 years.
In addition, the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip is in very poor
conditions and needs massive investment to be able to service the
population. Without access to jobs and the Israeli army blockade
of the sea and land crossings, the Strip is likely to become the
largest concentration camp in the world.Tells us what you think.
Is the plan workable? Is this going to bring peace? Should the homes
of the settlers be destroyed by the Israeli army? Should Israel
go to the negotiation table and follow the road map to peace which
was accepted by all parties?
To read about the details of the plan please click
here | For analysis please click
here
Your Say..
The Palestinian story, particularly the historical context, still
remains largely unknown to most Australians. The dominant narrative
is still largely the Zionist one where the Palestinians are ignored,
marginalised or demonised. Zionist groups like AIJAC are prepared
to resort to bullying and intimidation to stifle any genuine discussion
of, say, what really happened in 1948 or at Camp David in 2000.
To make the Palestinian narrative better known in the community
should be the Friends' first priority. Exhibitions of Palestinian
art work, films and photographs can be an effective and relatively
unconfrontational way of publicising the cause.
Nick Laffey :: Moonee Ponds, VIC
We encourage you to send through your opinion:
|
|
|
|
|
Previous topics:
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
