‘We have heard it all before, many times’
RAMALLAH: After the Palestinian Authority (PA), which nominally controls the Israeli-occupied West Bank, announced that it is pulling out of the peace agreement it signed with Israel during the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords, many Palestinians are sceptical, saying they have heard it all before – on numerous occasions.
The PA announced last week that it would no longer adhere to the agreement after the Israelis carried out their biggest demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem since occupying the West Bank in 1967, by razing 13 buildings.
The Oslo Accords divided the West Bank into three parts, designating Area A to full Palestinian control, Area B to joint Israeli-Palestinian control and Area C, which comprises over 60% of the territory, to Israeli control – until such time as the two sides resolve their differences.
Under international law, however, Israel’s occupation of the whole territory is considered illegal.
The destruction of Palestinian property, including homes and water, sewerage and electricity infrastructure, is carried out in the West Bank by the Israeli authorities in Area C on a regular basis. However, last week’s demolitions in the Sur Baher area of East Jerusalem was also the first time homes were destroyed in Area A.
Palestinian anger on the streets was palpable and the PA, which has long been regarded as a sub-contractor of the Israeli occupation by its critics, felt it had to follow through with a strong response.
PA president Mohammed Abbas said his Fatah-dominated authority would form a committee to examine possible mechanisms for ceasing co-operation with Israel.
But Abu Mazen, as he is known, has made this threat before without following through due to the PA’s dependence on Israel both politically and economically.
Even if once again this is lip service, the PA, which is based in the actual capital of Ramallah, had little choice but to appear assertive, especially with the deteriorating economic situation in the West Bank as Israel continues to withhold billions of tax dollars – that it collects on behalf of the PA as per the peace agreement – after accusing it of using the funds to support “terrorists and their families”.
In addition to its inherent weakness, in the face of Israel’s overwhelming superior military and political strength, are the self-serving interests and endemic corruption that permeate the PA.
The authority employs well over 100000 Palestinians, providing an economic lifeline to them and their numerous dependants in an area of high unemployment, with the World Bank warning that the occupation is drastically impeding the growth of the Palestinian economy, which is only worsening with Israeli economic sanctions.
Due to these sanctions, the PA has halved the salaries of its employees over the last few months, explaining that the austerity measures were essential to save the crumbling economy.
So when reports leaked recently of PA ministers simultaneously getting a $2 000 (R28 000) monthly salary increase, incredulity rose.
Other reports of former Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah spending thousands of dollars on the purchase of three new cars in the space of several months further angered the Palestinians.
That the PA provides a semblance of law and order, even if this encompasses a draconian crackdown on political opponents and other critics, does not in the eyes of the majority of Palestinians justify the organisation’s ongoing nepotism, where family members and those with the right connections get the better jobs and lucrative contracts.
Should the PA follow through on its threats, the security situation in the Palestinian territories will deteriorate and may prompt Israel to take full responsibility for the area again. |