The Palestinian Authority is imprisoning Gazans
The same government that includes a call to end the blockade on Gaza, in practice aids in imprisoning the Gazans by preventing them from holding valid Palestinian passports.
By Amira HassLies and power go hand in hand. But what is considered outrageous in a sovereign state is catastrophic for a society fighting for its freedom. The Palestinians have two sets of leadership under occupation competing for the dubious title of "government" - and both are generating lies to perpetuate their status. The Hamas government, which won the majority of the vote in democratic Palestinian legislative elections, is not recognized by most countries. Yet these countries warmly accept the Palestinian Authority government, which was appointed by the president and leader of the party that lost the election, Fatah.
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A Hamas policeman checks passports at the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, June 2010 |
| Photo by: AP |
This is the government that has explained its decision to postpone the municipal and local elections, originally scheduled for July 17 this year, by its desire to prevent the political rift between the West Bank and Gaza from widening. Parallel elections would not have been possible in the Gaza Strip because of the split between the parties and clashes over authority and legitimacy.
It is possible to argue over the logic of the initial stubbornness to hold elections that would have fortified the double-rule reality (one political experience in Gaza, and a different one in the West Bank ). This is why, indeed, independent circles in Gaza welcomed the decision to postpone. But everyone knows the real reason behind the postponement was internal disputes within Fatah, as well as a possible fear that competing slates would succeed - despite the fact that Hamas announced it would boycott the elections.
The same government that includes a call to end the blockade on Gaza in every one of its statements, in practice aids in imprisoning the Gazans by preventing many of them from holding valid Palestinian passports. Not only does the Fatah government refuse to send blank passports to Gaza to be filled out, thus forcing Gazans to use the services of special go-between agencies which send the applications to Ramallah, but its general intelligence service even intervenes - as has been revealed lately - and in many cases vetoes passports for Gaza residents.
Now, with Egypt easing the restrictions on entry through its border with Gaza, this arbitrary cruelty has become even more pronounced. The feeling of imprisonment, and the lies accompanying it, generates bitterness toward the government in Ramallah - even among those who are not Hamas supporters.
Security forces in the West Bank continue to arrest people identified with Hamas. The fact that the vast majority of these people are imprisoned for extended periods without a trial or any charges brought against them, raises the suspicion that this practice is not meant to foil security risks, but to actually take revenge for Fatah's defeat in Gaza and to repress its political opponents.
Take Murad Amira, for example, from the village of Na'alin. As a volunteer paramedic in the Red Crescent he goes every Friday to the demonstrations held in his village against the separation wall. He was arrested by the Palestinian general security service six weeks ago and only released yesterday - without any explanation provided to him, his family or friends.
The Ramallah government supports the popular struggle in its words, but at the same time its security services continuously harass activists in Na'alin who are close to Hamas: They arrest them for two or three days, release them, and arrest them again. That is why official support for the popular struggle is viewed as just another fabrication. It's no surprise the protests have remained the private domain of those directly affected by the lands expropriations and haven't drawn the masses, certainly not those who fill the coffee houses, restaurants and festivals in Ramallah.
These are the same security authorities that have won praise from the occupier for the quiet they've achieved while the occupier acts: confiscating land, demolishing homes, expelling people, arresting children, preventing free movement and killing. The lies that accompany these activities and their close affiliation with Fatah cast a shadow over the trustworthiness of the leadership in the eyes of its people.
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gone is condoleezza rice who wanted to bisect Israel in half, and help unite the 2 ruling mafias.
ever increasing Islamist controll gets almost no mention either,when the usual whipping boys of the elites cannot be loudly blamed.
The palestinians have proven for 62 years that they re not capable of successfully governing one inch of land anywhere
somewhere in the ME with which to retake Gaza?
It is quite obvious the the PA is harrasing its citizen instead of stretching a helping hand. That is how all Arab governments are behaving, it is the rule and not the exception. Even their armies and police authorities are there to defend the the rulers and not the country or its citizens. These are facts on the ground.
Inhabitants of Gaza are not entitled to passport from PA, the authority on have to issue Gazan passport. Gazans cannot have a passport from another government.
Long before the Israel excuse and not just in Palestine Democracy? Who are the Fatah candidates in Gaza?
Israel loves it. It keeps the dreaded spectre peace way from their door and allows the illeagl expansion to continue unabated.
Hamas is a terrorist entity, the PLO is not, that is why one is recognized and one is not. You being so anti Israel have this problem, most of the world recognizes Hamas for what it is a medieval terrorist entity. the PLO doesn't want to rock the boat, they are making money.
The PA is the equivalent of the SLA (the now defunct South Lebanese Army)
Amira, you must recognize that the problem with the Hamas government, other than their embrace of violent resistance, is that their governing institutions are in Syria. The Palestinian people voted for Haniyeh in Gaza only to find out that it is Meshal in Syria which calls the shots on both interior and foreign policy. The fact is that the Hamas leadership in Syria is shielded from the harsh reality on the ground and are thus able to maintain a hard line whereas the local leadership were willing to compromise in line with the wishes of their constituency. That is not democratic at all.
But to get anyone interested in this story, you'd have to find a way to blame it on Israel. Hass is trying. These are the same security authorities that have won praise from the occupier for the quiet they've achieved while the occupier acts: confiscating land, demolishing homes, expelling people, arresting children, preventing free movement and killing. The lies that accompany these activities and their close affiliation with Fatah cast a shadow over the trustworthiness of the leadership in the eyes of its people. Does anyone really think it would be different if Israel were - God forbid - not in the picture? Does Iran issue passports to opponents of its government? Does Syria? Does 'moderate' Egypt? The 'Palestinians' are behaving the way every government in the Arab Muslim world behaves. But the 'Palestinians' are not used to no one caring about them. This time, Israel is really not involved so no one cares. If - God forbid - there is one day a 'Palestinian state,' this sort of occurrence will be routine, and so long as Israel cannot be blamed, no one will care.
it get the same kind of attention it gets now. When Bangladesh fought for its "independence" the world rallied around the Bengali Moslems, and now . . . who cares about the Awami League, or its opponents, or the flooding, or the suffering people in that Fourth World nation anymore.
At first I was puzzled by the headline - not blaming Israel? The P.A. ain't perfect, but does the author imagine hamas to be the model of democracy? Give us a break.
It is that a coexistence is beginning to forge itself between Israel and the West Bank. This why the left is trying to de-legitimatize the West Bank authority and boost Hamas. If the left was really promoting peace, it would be thrilled that a de-facto peace may have a chance to form between Israel and the West Bank. This would be a wonderful example for the future. Fayyad and the West Bank Palestininans probably know by now, that Europe and left-wing support is lost if they make peace with Israel. They were good pawns for antisemitic Europe as long they gave up their quality of life, did terror in Israel, and suffered the consequences. As this example shows, the fact that Hamas shot Fatah supporters in the knees, threw them from roofs, and terrorize them is forgotten. Only the passport REactions of Fatah is shown, in a tear filled soap opera show style. This is a taste of what Israel endures daily from the left. I hope West Bank Palestinians are strong enough to overcome this, that they build an independent state, living side by side with Israel, to the benefit of all. This is a young people full with energies which can change a lot of things. Lets hope for the best.
What a yuck. where are the "good" palestinians to build their state? On the few urban crumbs left by you Israeli apartheid colonialists. I suppose you would expect your settler terrorists to ensure good will. You reap what you sow!
There is something missing in this analysis and it is the mutually destructive role of HAMAS. It is no less oppressive than the PA and Israel, and its methods of suppressing political dissent are known to be brutal and ruthless, and yet there is no mention of its contribution to this appalling violation of Palestinian civil and human rights. Your silence screams of fear and consent. I hope I am wrong.
The palestinias are not able to form state. So the two state solution is utopistic.
Where ever the chips may fall, the truth has to be revealed and Amira Hass does it with ease.
I would be fighting Hammas to the bitter end. For palestinian society Hammas is worst than Israel. With Israel Fatah will finally find some kind of accomodation. Fatah ( not even its radical arm strugge; branch )will never find it with Hammas who is another agent of the world jyhad. Fatah people want to live ina secular prosperous society not ruled by a bunch of "honest" religious barbarians.
Hamas is to Palestine roughly what Haredim are to Israel. Undesirable, but a legitimate part of the society nonetheless. They are the Palestinian right wing. It is not possible to simply destroy the political wing you don't like. New ones will sprout up after the ones you destroy, probably more radical than the original.
There is no fooling anybody. Hamas wants to destroy israel and exterminate all the jews from israel and if it takes a few more generations of palestinians living in abject poverty and with no hope for a good life then that is OK with hamas. What morons
Everyone knows you hold Israel solely responsible for all the region's troubles, but who is Israel's partner for peace? The devious and untrustworthy PA or the murderous terrorists from Hamas, who are committed to the destruction of israel? Until there is a sincere, willing and capable Palestinian partner, no Israeli government will ever be able to reach any sort of agreement that does not involve Israel's suicide. Of course, Israel's suicide may will be an acceptable solution for you.
The Palestinian Arse Licking Organisation and will remain so until the Hamas are allowed a seat on the board.
The PA is controlled by the Israeli government and follows orders. On top of that their personal interest pushes them to destroy (or try to) Hamas. If elections supervised by international observers were held, the PA would disappear and Hamas would win by a landslide in Gaza and WB. That's why there are no elections. the PA leadership has been in power for almost two years after their mandate expired.
Your comment repeats exactly what Amira writes in her article. She is not naive. She is just very disappointed with everyone.
Thank you for your blunt honesty that proves that you will always tell the truth, no matter. The "Vichy" Gov't in Ramallah are being 'wined and dined' around the world, proving that they have become house trained. The bulky oriental rug under which they swept their peoples rights and dignity are not stained by the Fatah. They know how to behave as the Blue baby syndrome babies in Gaza cry their way through the sonic boom nights in Gaza. The "split and rule" policy by the "West" are being challenged by the people of the "West". When the UN went on record saying that the Aid to Gaza should be brought in by land and not by sea and the Fatah kept quiet. Then the game became obvious. The Fatah and Israel are bedfellows in the rape of Gaza, supported by the western Gov'ts. The problem by these western Gov'ts though is that THE PEOPLE doesn't agree to this policy. "You can fool some people some of the time.....".
O, the "popular struggle" and the "masses", and the denunciation of those who sit in coffee houses instead of participating in the revolution. A healthy Marxist analysis like in the good old days. It brings tears to my eyes.
Amira: I agree with you completely and hope your voice will be heard and it is the trouth and moral-motivated.
Why do you circumvent Hamas? Gazans can thank Hamas for their situation, just as we are stuck with a government here that brings misery and no hope for the future its about time peace movements at both sides of the walls& fences made their voice heard. Write about Gilad Shalit, get him free, then Gazans can have passports too I believe.
the Palestinians would be murdered and hung if they created "peace movements" on the model of their western brothers and sisters their faith doesnt permit to have PEACE WITH DHIMMIS LIKE YOU you just dont get it
We never lose hope that a just peace will prevail some day because there are voices like Ms Hass' who see things with the same eye regardless of color, religion, race or ethnicity. Al though the corrupt palestinian authority is directly responsible for such suffering, the occupation and the US administrations are the real cause of all this. Both veto the reconciliation between WB and Gaza and without which, all the corrupt circles in Ramallah would have been demolished by now.
Why you still are whining? Why you find scapegoats to blame for the infighting of Hamas Fatah factions at the population's expense?? Do not blame Israel, USA, Allah look down in front of you and change it being a scapegoat keeps you in the sucker position
How can the "occupation and the US administration" veto the reconciliation between WB and Gaza ? This is an internal Palestinian issue.
The Hamas-Fatah dispute is an internal Palestinian affair that should be solved by the Palestinians and not the Saudis, Egyptians, Israelis or AmericansOutside meddling in Palestinians affairs will only exacerbate the crisis.The gap between the two Palestinian entities is so wide that were it not for Israel’s presence between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Fatah and Hamas would most likely be dispatching suicide bombers and rockets at each other. And they would perhaps still be throwing each other’s supporters from the fifteenth and sixteenth floors of tall buildings had not Israel, in the summer of 2007, helped Fatah members and their families run away from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. This is not a conflict over which side will bring democracy and good government to the Palestinians so much as it is a power struggle over money and power. The fight between Hamas and Fatah is not a power struggle between good guys and bad guys: it is a rivalry between bad guys and bad guys. Fatah leaders hate Hamas to a point where they are even prepared to ally themselves with the “Israeli enemy” to achieve their goal of overthrowing the Hamas government. During Israel’s last massive military operation in the Gaza Strip over a year ago, Fatah officials provided Israel with valuable intelligence that resulted in the killing of many Hamas operatives. A state is not something that Palestinians should expect Binyamin Netanyahu or Ehud Olmert or Shimon Peres to give them on a silver platter. A state is something that the people earn by standing united and establishing good government and proper institutions and infrastructure, as well as democracy and a strong economy. The only way to make progress towards peace is by insisting that the Palestinians first get their act together.
I agree with you. But I do not accept that Israel uses the time it takes the Palestinians to sort out their internal disputes to colonize more of their land and drive more of their people to emigration. Ben Gurion had realized that time is always on Israel's side, and he was right.