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by Musil Shihadeh It did not take long after the Tel-Aviv operation by Al-Jihad, when Abu-Mazen appeared on the world media to condemn the Palestinian operation in the strongest possible terms and even calling it “a despicable act” that would jeopardize the higher interests of the Palestinians. A few hours before the operation hoards of Israeli tanks attacked several West Bank cities, blasting homes and people, targeting anything that moved. The Israeli attack resulted in the death of civilians only, because it was not directed against any Palestinian army since no army exists by Israeli orders. Before this latest attack, frequent unprovoked Israeli bombings of Palestinian civilians in Northern Gaza were taking place without targeting any military installations. The victims were over 21 innocent civilians including children. Yet no one would call such acts as despicable. We have been witnessing Israeli state sponsored violence against innocent civilians while the world is watching in apathy and without lifting one finger in protest. The flagrant double standard is exercised when condemnation of the Palestinian retaliatory operation poured from all over the western world! Worse yet the PA president, who was once accused of being a freedom fighter calls such acts despicable! To analyze Mr. Abu-Mazen's baffling position, one would have to delve into the realm of illusionary speculations to rationalize the PA president's declarations on the so called higher Palestinian interests. Did the Tel-Aviv operation disrupt any ongoing peaceful negotiations? Definitely not, as the Israeli leadership have rejected any negotiations with Abu-Mazen because such a process would unveil the Israeli adamant position against any withdrawal from the West Bank , in conformity with International legalities. Did such an operation initiate the Israeli retaliations against civilians? Not by a long shot since the Israeli onslaught was going on continuously even few hours before the Tel-Aviv operation. Did the operation give the Israelis the green light in continuing their greedy expansions into Jerusalem ? Of course not, since the expansion has been going on under the helpless nose of the PA. Does Abu-Mazen have certain discreet promises by Israel and the West that can contribute to the National aspirations of the Palestinians? Again not a single hope for that, since Olmert has announced his unilateral withdrawal from certain areas of the West Bank with the apartheid wall as the final borders of Israel . Then could some one tell us about these so-called “higher National interests”? Can someone tell us if there is anything left for the Palestinians except their determination to resist the cruel and ugly Israeli oppressive occupation? The picture of the status-quo, which no one can deny, represents continuous Israeli crimes against the Palestinians to force them to kneel under the heals of the Zionist master and accept their inhumanity as slaves to the ugly occupier. Is Abu-Mazen telling us that Israeli blood is superior to that of the Palestinians? So why is it despicable for the oppressed to fight back against the cruel Israeli occupation? Is it fair to have our women and children suffer under continuous Israeli bombings while Israeli women are sunbathing on our beaches with full security and peace? Are we supposed to be deceived again by Oslo , Wye River , the Road Map etc…? Has Israel honored any of these agreements? Has Israel abided by International norms set forth by UN Resolutions, like the right of return and withdrawal in accordance with any of the international community decisions? Even the US sponsored Road Map, which was conjured by the US, in accordance with Israeli demands, have been pre-empted by Israeli 14 reservations. Israeli violations have failed to stop Palestinians from continuing their courageous struggle for the last fiftyseven years. Such struggle will never cease for the next hundred years, as the peace wagon will never arrive to our area until the Palestinians are aboard. _____________ Musil Shihadeh, a Palestinian living in Cairo. He can be reached at msjaffa@link.net |