April 28, 2011
“The division between Fatah and Hamas has been enormously destructive and self-defeating for Palestinians. This agreement represents a positive step towards Palestinian reconciliation and national unity, which are absolutely crucial to the success of our struggle,” the elected member of the Palestinian National Council said in a statement.
Ashrawi also called the move positive for democracy in the region.
“Genuine reconciliation and democratic elections are aimed at empowering the Palestinian people, which is precisely why Israel opposes this agreement,” she said, citing recent threats from Israeli government officials which would make a functioning Palestinian Authority difficult in the face of unity.
“Previously, the Israeli government claimed that it did not have a partner for peace because Palestinians were divided. Now, with Palestinians on the verge of achieving national unity, the same government is saying that President Abbas must choose between peace with Israel or peace with Hamas, but that he cannot have both. Hamas is part of the Palestinian political landscape and part of a Palestinian pluralistic and inclusive democracy. Just as importantly, Palestinian reconciliation makes a positive contribution to peace and stability in the region.
“What makes Israel’s response all the more absurd is that this Israeli government has done all it can to sabotage efforts towards peace, starting with its refusal to cease all settlement activities.
“The Palestinian leadership has a responsibility to the Palestinian people. Its mandate is to represent their wishes and safeguard their rights. It is not for Israel to dictate the terms of Palestinian politics, or to determine whom the Palestinian people can and cannot elect.”
Ashrawi called on the international community to respond positively to Palestinian reconciliation.
“Amid the dismal failures of the so-called ‘peace process’ and American efforts to restart negotiations, Palestinian reconciliation presents a significant opportunity to change the prevailing dynamic. It is an opportunity that the international community should embrace and use to rebuild momentum by supporting democratic development in Palestine and throughout the region. It also supports the cause of peace and stability.
“Palestinians face enormous challenges to win back our rights and freedoms against a state bent on maintaining its occupation, building more settlements, and denying Palestinian refugees their fundamental rights. We cannot face these challenges except as one people united by a common vision and a shared determination to persist and overcome. Genuine peace is built on such a vision and determination, and on international law.”
Ashrawi ended by saying that the hopes of many Palestinians rested on the success of reconciliation efforts.
“The challenge ahead is for all Palestinians to ensure the success of these efforts, and for the international community to grasp this opportunity,” Ashrawi concluded.
Related
- Netanyahu: PA Must Chose between Hamas and “Peace” | Apr 27, 2011
Israel is outraged. An agreement or unity between Palestinians is their biggest nightmare, for rule and divide serves their real intention: Ethnic cleansing and annexation of the whole of Palestine. That Israel, never had, nor will have any intention to reach a peace agreement with Palestine you can read here:
- Special Topic | Settler Violence and here
- Special Topic | ETHNIC CLEANSING
In this ongoing atrocities, funded by US Tax payers:
- How Many Weapons to Israel?
- Costs of arming Israel can no longer be ignored
- US weapons to Israel deter peace
- New database reveals weapons to Israel, impact on
- US weapons give-a-way to Israel used to kill 735 Palestinian children in past decade
- US Weapons to Israel Are Disincentives to Peace
- Consequences of Israeli Chemical Weapons
To learn about the truth behind occupation, the ethnic cleansing and the Nakba – watch these video’s
More Sources
- Map of “Greater Israel” Published by Radical Settler Movement
- All Israeli Massacres on Palestinians
- Map of already ethnically cleansed, destroyed and excisting Arab Villages
- Peace Now | Current West Bank and Jerusalem Map – 2011