Gaza: The World's Largest Prison

Gaza is the world's largest prison. Home to over 1.5 million people 95% of which are under the age of 65.  Overpopulated, the Strip is greatly restricted by Israel (and the United States). Since Israel first enacted its policy to Gaza years ago, 100% of all textile factories were closed, which is part of the larger 96% of all factories  that were closed. The agriculture and fishing industry were almost completely destroyed, ruining tens of millions of dollars worth of food that would have been locally grown for families. 

All medicine that goes through Gaza is inspected. Israel constantly denies humanitarian aid to the strip and controls overwhelming majorities in Gaza's electricity and water production. Finally, all international funds going to humanitarian aid toward the Palestinian people is withheld by Israel unless it deems it appropriate. Israel even has control over Palestinian tax money in the West Bank (although the regulation is a bit easier there). 

It is clear that the territory has all the characteristics of a prison: Controlled hours when lights are on, confined (and in California's case) overcrowded rooms, controlled food and drinks, inspection on anything and everything that wants to come in and out. 

Actually with some reconsideration, Western prison is a better than what Gazans go through because they are at least guaranteed protection for their lives. Gaza is more of a Syrian, Egyptian, or Saudi jail.

Israeli leaders, such as the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (and most of his predecessors), have always said something to this effect: "In the name of security we must continue this policy!"

Recently Israel just extended its emergency law powers for another year which would have the policy implemented for over 63 years. Haaretz describes the law's effect as the following:

"It bestows upon the government broad powers that infringe on civil liberties. These include the power of administrative detention, seizure of land, arrest of infiltrators, and limitations on the rights of terror suspects. In Israel's improvisational style, numerous writs have been issued under emergency law guidelines for the monitoring of goods and services. In such case, the emergency law was used not because of any real concerns about state security, but rather for bureaucratic convenience."

These expansionist powers are no secret and have been used against the Palestinians for some time now. The policy toward Gaza by Israel and the United States aims to alienate Gaza's leadership: Hamas, a group deemed a terrorist organization by the United States, EU and Israel. 

The policy is not only impractical, it's deeply immoral. The effects of the policy make the policy itself immoral, and if you can't see that, then just wait for my second part on the Nature of Morality. It's impractical because the harder you make the lives of a people, the more extreme their views will become. With more extreme views people will inevitably turn to more extreme leaders. Let me frame it this way:

A household is deprived of water, food, electricity, and medicine; no one is allowed to leave the house to get a job or get any essentials. The family knows that their current state is because of the neighbors who have initiated the harsh imprisonment. As the family gets organized, two possible leaders come up, the first of which, declares that negotiations must go on and we must sit with the neighbors that are starving our children, while the second declares that they must continue the fight for their independance and right to a proper household. 

Which would you choose? It may be difficult to feel empathy for the Palestinians because you read this of some kind of electronic device, at home or at work. You may not be deprived of basic living essentials as they are, and until you are in their position, you may never understand why they choose the more violent rebellious leaders. 

This short TED Talk may help you better understand, please watch:

This is why such a policy is impractical to long term solutions. The lack of empathy alienates entire populations most noticeably... the two closest to each other: the Israelis and Palestinians. As a result, radical leaders will take radical results which has led to 60+ years of non-stop violence.  

In the name of security, Israel takes such extreme actions. I'm not saying that the Israeli concern about its security isn't warranted, but I'm saying that the actions aren't however, I think there is a more fundamental issue at hand so let's talk about that first.

Israel enacts such strict controls over Palestinian life (but especially Gazan life) because they do not approve of the last Palestinian elections where Hamas won significant numbers of spots in the government. Since then, much has happened and the split between Palestinians factions broke off, with Hamas controlling the Gaza Strip. In the last month, a unity government has been formed and will push for UN statehood recognition.

Rightfully or not, the Israelis don't like who the Palestinians elected to office. The fear of whom may be elected once democracy is established reminds me of the ongoing Arab uprisings, and specifically Egypt.

There was much (unnecessary) speculation that with Mubarak out, the Egyptians would elect a government that is unfriendly to the United States, Israel and their policies. That may be the case since elections haven't begun yet, however, the larger concern is this: Why are the rights of (literally) hundreds of millions of people predicated on who foreign governments approve of as "representatives" for their nations?

Why is their even discussion about helping suppress the inalienable rights of our fellow human beings because we won't like who they have a right to elect? Is this even moral? (rhetorical) Better yet, when is a system democratic when those "elected" are filtered by forces such as Israel and the United States (if not Iran and Saudi Arabia)?

This discussion seems to have been re-ignited recently over the military government in Egypt's decision to permanently open the border that has been long closed by the U.S.'s puppet Hosni Mubarak. It is the first effort by any country to improve the lives of the Gazans and bring an end to the world's largest prison; I applaud the decision.

Of course, the border isn't opened for everyone; men between the ages 18-64 are required to have visas to travel back and forth, but it is still an important step. The system aims to allow for the flow of people and the economic opportunities they bring, but takes measures to inspect and limit the shipment of weapons that could be used against Israel.

Perhaps I'm downplaying Hamas attacks against Israel; attacks that seem greatly overshadowed when Israel responds and kills 75% more people, however, Israeli policy thusfar is not serious about long-term change. Illegal settlements, manipulation of basic necessities, illegal and immoral acts that radicalize another generation will never be the answer to peace.

Yes, the Israeli state deserves peace of mind, but more importantly, the Palestinians deserve a state. It is our job as fellow human beings, to ensure that everyone has access to the basic universal freedoms that I do when I type on this blog but we must remember that there are no strings attached to such freedoms and it is none of our business to dictate what they decide to do with that democracy.

You can get all these page updates by "Liking" the Facebook blog page! here : http://on.fb.me/hWYYmi or by following me on Twitter! http://bit.ly/fIU3d7 Please Share on your network, email, comment or subscribe!

The Wiser Palestinian Fight

 

With all that's going on in and around the region, you may be wondering why I'm not talking about the crisis in Lebanon or the upheaval in Tunisia. Although I do plan on dedicating a few posts on those subjects I've chosen to talk again about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. I certainly don't want to denigrate the importance of either of those issues: Tunisia's liberation from a longtime (Western supported) dictator is both important to its people, but also to many African and Arab countries, inspiring the youth to break from their autocratic government. The situation in Lebanon is critical because for a long time it has been seen as a symbol of democracy for the region but also has been an indirect battle field between forces supported by the United States and others supported by Iran. However, I've chosen to talk about what I consider to be wise moves by the Palestinians because I believe these decisions can have much long longer lasting effects to a conflict that has gone on for too long.

To start it off, I'll say that I, like the most of the international community recognizes that Hamas won the free elections years ago but was rejected by Israel and the U.S. A lot has happened since then with a divide along party lines as Fatah (on political party) generally rules over the West Bank of Palestine and Hamas controls Gaza of Palestine. After the split, Israel and the U.S. decided to fund the Palestinian Authority (in charge of the West Bank) to help improve the lives of Palestinians living there. At the same time, greater restrictions were placed on Gaza to intentionally make life worse for millions of people. This was the attempt by the U.S. to force the people of Gaza to reject Hamas by making their lives worse. Gaza is now constantly mentioned as the world's largest prison as Israel greatly controls all water, food, electricity, humanitarian aid traveling in the small region. 

Regardless of whether one agrees with the more aggressive attempt by Hamas or more peaceful discussions of the Palestinian Authority (although they do have a military wing that has fought Hamas) we can all agree that both initiatives weren't bearing any fruit. Hamas' ideological fight to destroy or replace Israel is unrealistic and their means are those of a deprived people with little to no resources. I'm not a fan of militant struggle however the "talks" by Fatah with the West have been extremely frustrating. Even as conditions have improved, Israel failed to continue a freeze on thousands of illegal settlements in the West bank. Without a freeze, no Palestinian Authority can discuss peace as their sovereignty is being undermined by those they are in talks with. With the failure of the U.S. administration to stop the freeze, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has refused to continue talks for peace. This comes at an unfortunate time since Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a right wing loony who believes a two state solution that leaves a Palestine as nothing more than a meaningless territory with no sovereignty.

In the face of failed talks, continued settlement building, and the unpractical path that Hamas is trying to lead, the Palestinian Authority has made a very smart and aggressive move. It is gathering support for recognition of Palestinian statehood. In other words, they are working to get more and more countries to recognize Palestine as an official country with rights and sovereignty; thus officially bringing in more support against Israel's settlement building as well as its occupation of the West Bank. Several blogs picked it up as 2011 strategy (the peaceful one). The Palestinian President is trying to gain recognition of the state based on the 1967 borders established.

As Jesse Rosenfeld and Joseph Dana mention in their Opinion piece, the solidarity cause for Palestine in Israel has stopped being limited to its national politics. As frustration with failing talks has grown, the movement has now gone global. 

As far as I know, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia already recognize the state of Palestine. Israeli officials now expect a several more countries to recognize as dozens of European countries upgrade Palestine's diplomacy status to those of recognized states (but that isn't an official recognition of a state). Just recently Russia's President made a historical visit to Palestine as the first Russian President to make the diplomatic visit solely for the purpose of Palestine. Russia has recognized Palestine as a state for several decades now and has now promised to work with neighboring Jordan to formalize the statehood of a Palestine.

This move is wise, and it isn't going unmatched. That's why there in a Haaretz article titled "Jerusalem scrambles as European states move to upgrade ties with Palestinians." As a move of solidarity and Inspiration the Palestinian Mission in Washington raised up a Palestinian flag in support of the new direction.

The official statehood of Palestine would not only bring greater arguments against Israel settlments in the West Bank, but also gain support against what I call the "de-Arabisation" of Jerusalem as Israel forces more Arabs out for Jewish residents. Statehood also gives a greater push for officially including Palestine in the UN General Assembly as well as the right to address racial discrimination against Palestinians by Israel throughout its history and for its future.  Even Haaretz has run a piece titled "When the Messiah Comes, Israel will Deport Him" to display the abuses and discrimination by the Israeli state against non Israelis and foreigners. 

The move is garnering great opposition from Israel which is tarnslating to lobbying work from Israeli/Jewish lobbies all over Europe and surely AIPAC in the U.S. (the largest and most well funded lobby in the U.S.). The direction of the Palestinians is smart in my opinion and will lead to a more peaceful approach to the peace process in the long run. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, and who is justified to do what, I think that all Israelis can identify with the idea of self Statehood and having a country to look up to; that is all that Palestinians are trying to do now. Palestinian history and politics has been far from perfect and sometimes extremely unethical, but there comes a time when we must recognize that there is no "Palestinian problem," Israel, with its extreme Prime Minister is proving to be more difficult in the process and is weakening the image of his country. There is hope that it is moving away from it's extremes, see here. Israel is here to stay, Palestinians and the world know this, but Israelis and Zionists must come to terms that the Palestinian state is inevitable; unless they do so, Israel's argument for protection will continue to fade in legitimacy as will its brand. 

Israelis and Palestinians

I was a bit conflicted over what to write about this time.I'm stuffed after a big family dinner, my head hurts a bit, I have the flu and my little cousin (whom I love) won't stop discovering the world. I read an article about Wikileaks and how even the Swiss bank who has protected drug lords and Nazis has refused to service Wikileaks on the basis that Julian Assange gave out misinformation about his place of residents (gasp!). For that article follow this.

Israeli Settlements

Instead of decided to talk about the Israeli Palestinian conflict; not the entire conflict itself because it's history will be too long for a blog like this and should be left for the history books. However I did bump into several articles that I thought were worth mentioning: Agreement for peace seems more hopeless than ever as the Obama Administration tries to push through peace negotiations. This became evident after the U.S. failed to get Israel to extend a freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank.This was in direct defiance of the administration's statements against the settlements. After that the State Department decided to move on and not stick to the issue as Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said that negotiations could not continue as Israel built settlements on their land.

Just though this was representative of recent edicts and letters.

Shortly after, life for Arabs in and around Israel got worse as hundreds of Rabbis published a religious edict forbidding Jews from selling or renting houses to Arabs. As a result, but which got far less media attention, a letter by the New Israel Fund (which is a progressive organization in the United States for peace) condemning the edict was signed by almost a thousand Rabbis around the world was sent to the hateful Rabbis (of course there edict still stands). More recently, a letter by 30 Rabbi wives has been sent out to Israeli girls advising them not to date Arab men.

Hamas-- generally considered an extremist organization

Of course, Anti-semitism in Palestine is widespread as a country that identifies itself as "the Jewish state" helps make their lives worse; they draw a connection to the Jewish people. Admittedly, both sides extreme show hatred to one another as Muslim extremists can't stop rambling on about the evil of the Jewish people; these need no links because it's so blatantly obvious to anyone who understands even a tiny amount about the conflict.The problem is, Israel elected a right wing party to its government in the last elections and all these hate-filled messages from Israel come at a time when things are already unsettling as they are. Furthermore, Hamas isn't giving up on it's goal of replacing all of Israel with a one state solution of Palestine. So if peace seemed likely at any point (which it didn't) the situation is even more dire now.

Ban Ki Moon -- UN Secretary General

There is hope however. The UN is directing it's attention at stopping the settlement building in the West Bank which will help to bring Palestinian leaders to the table without the shadow of the Israeli settlements. At the same time Palestinians are now turning to the UN Security Council to condemn the settlements, which could, if passed, set the tone for future negotiations as the legitimization of the settlements garners less support.We can always hope for a change in the next Israeli elections to more reasonable leaders? Can't we? Of course, Hamas is getting more unpopular as efforts by the U.S. and Israel seem to be working at making the millions in Gaza live horrible lives.

This isn't just a hit at Israel, since the media is afraid to publish Wikileaks cables about it, because the Palestinian side hasn't been very helpful in the process, but their requests aren't unreasonable. Furthermore, Israel, more and more, can not claim to be the reasonable and less extreme side as all these things occur over time. Both sides need to swallow some pride because decisions, even against the extremes of their people, are only made my real leaders; recently a friend told me that leaders aren't needed when things are going fine, only when change is needed. They must make the difficult decisions and all leaders must be " very adaptable to different situations and climates." This conflict has gone on for more than 60 years, it's time to adapt to the different circumstances but with the same vision of peace and co-existence.