Palestinian commitment to two states

Submitted by Gerry Mandell (Israel), Feb 25, 2007 at 13:27

For the sake of discussion only, let's assume that 60%+ of Palestinians are in favor of a two state solution living in peace. But if 40% of Palestinians are committed to Israel's destruction---many being armed and part of fighting units, the ruling majority has a tall task to subdue the minority. Abbas can't even stop the Kassams (supposedly being fired by Islamic Jihad) let alone disarm Hamas. Abbas has specifically rejected trying to disarm the militias. During the recent clashes in Gaza he told the Palestinians to turn their guns on Israelis not on eachother. It seems avoiding civil war is more important than statehood.

If the world really wanted peace between Israel and the Palestinians, there would be demands that all the Arab countries recognize Israel's right to exist. If the recognition were to occur, it would place the PA in an almost untenable position. But in the bigger picture, Israel's presence will remaint a blot on Arab honor so the Arab world, despite back channel and secretive commercial ventures with Israel, lets the Palestinians keep up the fight for redemption of Arab honor---and at little cost to themselves. So let's not assume there is a universal desire for peace.

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