Assalamualaikum,
Netanyahu did not hide his true intent when he delivered a policy speech at the Bar-Ilan University on the Palestinian issue. He categorically mentioned that recognition of Israel as a Jewish State is a precondition for peace. He also assigned the Jewish settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem who lives on stolen Palestinian land as 'our brothres' and not as a hindrance or enemies of peace. The other conditions he said Israel will only accept peace with a demilitarised Palestine, and he expressed no remorse when he said that the Palestinian refugee problem must be resolved beyond the boundaries of Israel.
These statements by Netanhayu did not need further elaboration. He made it clear to the Palestinians and to the whole world that peace is only achievable in Israel term. There is no two way about it. You take it or you can continue to live under siege, under continuous harrassment and oppression, and under the shadow of the separation wall.
Netanyahu chose to respond to Obama's Cairo speech by stating Israel's uncompromising and non-negotiable position on the Palestinian issue. One wonders how can progress be made in the so called peace negotiations when Israel will not agree to any concessions. Lest we have forgotten, that all the conditions set by Netanyahu is in direct contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nation Charter, countless UN resolutions recognizing Palestinian right of return, rights to a homeland and self determination, International laws and Geneva Conventions. The right of return for instance is guarantee d under UN Resolution 194 of 1949. Israeli occupation of the west Bank and East Jarusalem in 1967 was deemed illegal by the UN resolution 242 and 338. The siege on Gaza was a direct violation of the 4th Geneva Convention. The declaration of Israel as a Jewish State is an affront to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a systematic denial for the Palestinian rights of existence and of equal treatment. The separation wall snaking through the West Bank from North to South has been ruled by the International Court of Justice as illegal. The continued Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank and east Jarusalem has violated every peace accord signed with the Palestinian authority since Oslo.
The whole world can now see clearly what is the obstacle to peace in such an intricate situation. Israel has stated it's stand i.e. it is not interested in working out a peaceful settlement in Palestine. Netanyahu's speech should bring us all to work in a concerted effort to end the zionist sinister agenda just like we collectively did in ending the apartheid regime of South Africa. It is possible and achievable in the foreseeable future.
Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor
Director
PACE (Palestine Centre of Excellence)
15 June 2009
