Does Israel Give the Palestinians the State of Mind They Need for Peace or War?

The analysis of Daily Struggle of Palestinians under Occupation

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Only through plenty of research can one start to poke holes through the Pro-Israeli propaganda that has been spoon fed to us all through Western news media. After looking past the propaganda, you come to the conclusion that Israel has played a huge role in preventing a sovereign Palestinian state by regulating their movement, causing a state of paranoia, and preventing their economy to grow. Israel has consistently legitimized its actions towards the Palestinian people as a defensive necessity. In some cases, Israel does in fact have purpose to its defensive strikes, and have over exaggerated attacks in Israel by making all Palestinians seem to be terrorists or anti-Semitic. Because of these legitimate attacks, Israel has gained some support in monitoring the movement of Palestinians. One thing that is not recognized is the daily life struggle that Palestinians have to go through on a daily basis, which encourages Palestinians to want peace with its occupier. Dealing with obstaclessuch as checkpoints, road blocks, settlements, and the Apartheid Wallcauses great delays for the Palestinians daily life. Israel has also continuously monitored Palestinian citizens, which causes for a state of paranoia within the Palestinian community. It has also reduced Palestinians access to water, and also has embargos preventing Palestinians from expanding their economy. Because of these issues, Palestinians have taken action and attempted to stand up and defend their right to statehood. Since Palestinians do in fact want to obtain state hood, both the Israelis and Palestinians must sacrifice as well as gain the trust of the other. To begin with, in order to confront the issue of statehood we must understand what is happening on the ground, in regards to Israels regulation of Palestinian movement. The daily struggle Palestinians experience from completing simple tasks like going to school or work, can easily explain their urge for statehood. Cities, such as Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, diverse in their constituencies, share very similar daily hassles. In 2004, these cities faced a change in

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demographics due to three, Israeli policies: land grabs for building the isolation wall and expanding the illegal Jewish settlements; the separation of the various Palestinian population areas through sever restrictions on movement between them; and, not least, the separate and unequal treatment of Palestinian cities with Nablus at one end of the spectrum and Ramallah on the other, (Doumani). These policies made the fleeing of Palestinians from their homes in Nablus inevitable; therefore, it has caused drastic changes in demographics. These three policies are the main and sole purpose for Palestinians citizens to demand international involvement in regards to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. When dealing with these policies and the military occupation, retaliation from the Palestinians is guaranteed because of their lack of conversation between them and the Israelis. In response, Israel has made Palestinian terrorism the cause of the conflict rather than the effect of violence (Said, 377). Going further, while trying to understand these three policies we must go deeper into comprehending what restrictions have been put on the Palestinians preventing their movement. The main struggle Palestinians deal with, especially those in and around Nablus, are checkpoints. In 2004, The crossings [Checkpoints] open at eight in the morning and close at six in the evening; absolutely no movement of Palestinians in or out of Nablus can occur outside of this time window, No Palestinian vehicles can enter Nablus except for vehicles such as ambulances and those with permits (Doumani, Pg. 38). Many may argue that Palestinians may have restricted movements, but are given access to medical supplies when deemed necessary. Those who make such claims are not aware of the Israeli soldiers who drastically delay the vehicles from entering the cities, because of their detailed searches of the vehicles which take numerous hours (Doumani, Pg. 38). The time consumption of these inspections can play an extensive role in life or death situations such as heart attacks. This is one of the greatest limitations Palestinians have

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to deal with when being occupied by the Israeli government. If Palestinians were to gain their own state, they would not have to worry about similar searches delaying them from a trip to the hospital. Instead they would have a rapid transport to a hospital as well as other placessuch as work and school. During a time of attacks by extremists, Israel can legitimize its defensive security checks and regulations of movement of the Palestinian people. During the time where Palestinians prevented rock throwing and attacks from their side, now the main focus is on the Israeli occupation (Said 383). Palestinians began peaceful action towards the occupation, putting more attention on the occupation, in order to not give Israel an excuse to attack Palestinians and use the defense card. This clearly shows that the Palestinians are ready for peace, but the lack of Israels consideration of this expresses their urge to continue to take Palestinian land. Another freedom Palestinians are stripped of is the opportunity of being trusted as civilians. They must go through a long degrading process in order to pass through checkpoints: Immediately upon alighting, the travelers are set upon by the dozen or so Palestinian porters who have obtained permission from the Israeli military to shuttle baggage and belongings through the crossings. After haggling over the fee for this service, the porters load the luggage onto open metal-framed pushcarts and head away from the passengers toward a soldier standing inside a waist-high concrete bunker. Each porter stops a few meters from the soldier and, with an M16 rifle trained at his head, dumps the contents of the bags onto a plastic sheet ... he lifts each piece of clothing and items, waves in in front of the soldier, and stuffs it back. Later in the summer x-ray machines were introduced, emphasizing sill further the border crossing environment. Fewer personal items are soiled now, but the wait is longer. After inspection the personal items are soiled now, but the wait is longer. After the inspection the luggage is transferred to yet another open

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framed pushcart and walked to the Nablus side of the crossing. Together these two trips are about two football fields in length, but they cost more than a taxi ride from Ramallah thirty kilometers to the south. (Doumani, 39) Because a gun is pointed at the travelers, they really do not have much of a choice in expressing their right to privacy, as well as preventing the soldiers from treating them in such a manner. Israelis argue that these procedural security measures are being taken to, Dismantle terrorist networks and confiscate illegal weapons, and prevent deaths upon its Israeli civilians (Bard). This of course makes sense given the fact that there are Palestinian extremists who do not recognize Israel as a state, but one must grasp the quote provided above, when considering security as a reason for checkpoints. One can start to question Israels defensive strategy after realizing that after x-rays were introduced the duration of time that elapses in order to cross the checkpoint is the same if not longer than it had been in the past. An even greater characteristic of the occupation amongst the Palestinians would be the constant state of paranoia put on the Palestinians. Today, while Israeli drones fly across the skies, Palestinians start to look up at them with a scared expectation of possible future Israeli intervention (Doumani, Pg. 40). Israel, whether intentionally or unintentionally, has brought a culture of fright amongst the Palestinian people. This is something that will possibly still occur if Palestinians were to gain statehood, because of Israels urge and right to defend itself. Because Israel is concerned about access of enemies, it is expected of them to keep an eye on bordering states and confirming that organizations, such as Hezbollah and Al Qaeda, are not in any neighboring state. This again raises the question of Palestinians gaining trust from their neighbor. Meanwhile, as the question of trust continues to grow, the Apartheid Wall expands at a much more rapid pace. The Apartheid Wall has affected the lives of many Palestinians,

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especially those in Bethlehem and in the refugee camps surrounding it. The wall cuts through parts of Bethlehem and its nearby camps. Two campsAl Malha, and Aida Campwere divided by the wall, once shared a strong connection, and, because of the wall, the only time loved ones who live on opposite sides could see one another is as they pass by the checkpoints (Wiles, Pg. 97-102). Such tragic stories similar to Mahadi and Susu took place because of the building of the Apartheid Wall. The wall is not the only way Israel has deprived Bethlehem, it has also drastically reduced its water sources. In 2008, rainfallbiggest source of water Palestinians had after the occupationwas barely enough for the Palestinians to grow crops for Christmas, But water still flowed to settlements with their swimming pools, (Erickson). While Israelis are enjoying their unlimited access to water, Palestinians wait for water to arrive. When water does arrive in Aida, it is supplied to houses through very old, exposed pipes and stored in tanks on rooftops, but water is not always guaranteed to be brought to themthey may have to wait as long as a month (Wiles, Pg.144-145). It is understandable for Israel to satisfy its citizenswho prefer the western lifestyle; in order for Israel to do so they must get water from some place. Because the Jordan River is the closest and primary water source, Israel had to cut through Palestinian territory in order for water to reach Israeli territories and settlements. The only issue is that Palestinians are being deprived of mandatory resources such as water, and the water they do receive are brought through to homes from old pipes. In addition to a lack of necessary water supplies, a man named Yousef has to unfortunately admit that he is incapable of paying bills without a job, and is 15,000 shekels in debtwhich is approximately $3,700 (Wiles, 143-144). Because of the lack of a quickly developing economy, Yousef is not the only Palestinian who experiences a deficit. Similar issues were brought up

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through successful Palestinians who own and produce from vineyards. Israel has announced that, The separation barrier will be extended to the vineyards, cutting off the village workers and forcing them to apply for permits [in order to enter Israeli territories to grow crops on their property], these vineyards have provided supporting funds for technical school and youth centers (Erickson). When looking at this compelling piece of evidence, Israel can be accused of being against any economic or agricultural growth in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel, of course, affirms that the wall is in the interest of both Palestinians and Israelis. It has been argued that, Israel is doing its best to minimize the negative impact on Palestinians in the area of construction and has created 70 agricultural passageways to allow farmers to continue to cultivate their lands, and crossing points to allow the movement of people and the transfer of goods, (Bard). This is a great step to maintaining peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. If Israel is indeed offering Palestinians with other agricultural passagewayswhich they can use to grow crops, they should also allow more access to water in order for the state to actually progress agriculturally. The question Palestinians have to deal with is whether or not to move to those agricultural passageways, seeing that they already own land which has been stripped away from them. Evidence shows that Israel has prevented the economic progress if Palestinians, at both a national and international level. At the national level, entrepreneurs, such as Nadim Khourythe owner of Taybeh beer, has to go through numerous amounts of procedures in order to get his alcohol exported to Gaza. Khoury made non-alcoholic drinks in respect to the Muslim political organizationHamas; He has planned on exporting it through Israel to Gaza, but since Hamas took power in 2007, he was unable to transport the goods (Gorenber). This minor setback to Khourys business seems like a reasonable measure when looking at it from an Israelis point of

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view. Hamas is considered to be a terrorist organization, in the eyes of Israelis, which is why they would want to regulate what enters and exits Gaza. Exporting Taybeh beer has challenges as well, because any, Exports to Israel must be trucked to a checkpoint on the far side of Jerusalem, put through a cargo scanner, and reloaded onto Israeli trucksturning a half-hour journey into a three-hour one, (Gorenber). The main reason that this can be seen as a challenge is because such security checks can be taken by the Palestinians and exported, but Israel wants to be the one to do the examination. This again is an understandable measure on Israels behalf, because it wants to assure anyone receiving the beer internationally to feel assured that they beer was properly made and not contaminated in any wayseeing as Israel is responsible for anything exported from its current territories. This shows great concern with its neighboring Palestinians and can even be used as a defense for Israels view of protection of all the citizens in its territories. After seeing such caring actions taken by the Israelis, it raises the concern of the embargo placed on Palestinian wine. In October, 2008, the Israeli embargo prevented, Cermisan table and altar wine from reaching markets in the United Kingdom and Germany in time for Christmas, this also meant that churches from Nazareth to Jerusalem will go without the wine and the Cermisan table since the first time in over a century (Erickson). This is a very different approach which has not only prevented the Palestinians to expand and provide their wine at an international level, but also to provide the wine to other key cities, within the occupation, which play key roles in the history of Christianity. This issue a restricted Palestinian economy has been brought to the attention scholars such as Edward Said, who blames the Oslo peace talks for the, Widespread poverty and frustration, food shortages and continued incursions, by their occupier (Said, 163). During the Oslo Accords, the Palestinians did not have as much of a voice as the Israelis, because of their lack of statehood.

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In any manner, when reviewing the evidence provided, one must begin to question the possibility of statehood for Palestinians today. This has a very complicated answer in which both sides must sacrifice. As we have noticed through the daily struggle of Palestinians, settlements, occupation, and economic growth, security most importantly plays a huge role in achieving peace and statehood. In the past, Equality of stakes poses an ongoing ethical challenge because the supposed common good of the political community may already exclude expel or marginalize the potential contributions by certain groups, (Ben-Dor, Pg. 79). This can in fact be concluded through statehood, which will then end the possible threats Israel will have as a nation. Both parties will have a capability to contribute to their society, and progress as a sovereign state. Israel continuously consumes plenty of water and other resources that Palestinians do not have the privilege to day to day basis. At the same time, if Palestinians gained complete control over the West Bank, Israel would be put in the same situation. This is why it is necessary for both states to assist one another. Israel as well as Palestine would both need water; Palestine can use this information to its advantage, and make peace with Israel in return, allowing an equal amount of access to the Jordan Rivertherefore, splitting the water consumption. Both states would have access to the water so long as Israel does not strike against Palestine. At the same time, Israel has the right to defend itself from any bordering states, as well as other states that pose a threat to its existence. Such agreements of water access can also be great for the economy of both parties. Both parties will be able to grow with agriculture and allow for exports of products to the international economy. Currently, Israelis are found saying things such as, they have nothing to complain about and where would they be without us, (Ben-Dor, 81). This stereotypical assumption of the Palestinian people as being incompetent is actually what can help both nations to separate,

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but work side by side. As it has been previously mentioned, Palestinians have been restricted of economic success, and with statehood such restrains can be removed, and both the Israeli and Palestinian economy can become more competitive, but at the same time both parties will rely on the other for support in different ways. A Major issue that brings conflict between the two parties would be the settlements. Of course the Palestinians would want to reclaim the land that has been taken from their vineyards, homes, and rightful territory; but at the same time Israel has, Bargained to keep the settlements mainly for fear that dismantling them would set a bad precedent for the West Bank, (Finkelstein, 167). This is a major issue for the peace talks, but can easily be solved through understanding the hardship of Palestinians. After dealing with loss of their property due to the Apartheid wall, and dealing with the mistrust from the Israeli government, it is only right for Israel to correct itself by returning the entire West Bank and Gaza Strip of the 1967 borders. The only issue would be that Israel has continuously proved that it urges a continuance of the status quo which means, There can be no peace without pressure on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories, including Jerusalem, andas the Mitchel report affirmedto dismantle its settlements, (Said, 378). An issue which will rise from this pressure would be the settlers and the encouragement of the Jewish Manifest Destiny, who openly admit they are willing to fight for their established settlements. If Israel does agree to do this, Palestine will be satisfied, but as Finkelstein mentioned, the settlers will not stand for the loss of their dream to regain the land once owned by the kingdom of Israel. Such possible retaliation against the state would be brought to the attention of both parties. In order to achieve this, Israel will need to provide the Palestinians, With some sort of immediate emergency protection for undefended Palestinians, but the great failing of Oslo must be remedied now, at the start: a clearly articulated end to

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occupation, the establishment of a viable, genuinely independent Palestinian State, and the existence of peace through mutual recognition, (Said, 378-379). The issue of mutual recognition as evidently comes from both parties. Both parties, during the Oslo Accords, agree that it is time to put an end to decades of confrontation and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rights, and strive to live in peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process, (Oslo Accords). When obtaining testimonies from anonymous Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, it has come to my attention that Israel, recognizes the origins of these Arab-Israelis to be unknowneven though they were born in Jerusalem during the time Israel was in power. Such assumptions cause great confusion in creating peace, because Israel, at its national level, has yet to respect its promises to recognize political rights and dignities of its own citizens. In order to bring peace between the parties, they must both play a part in order for there to be a more peaceful moving of settlements, but Israel has yet to progress in the peace process. Another Issue that played a huge role in Palestinian resistance of the Israeli government would be the occupation as a whole. Palestinians that deal with issues such as the Apartheid Wall, checkpoints, and road blocks, make their daily life almost unbearable. These were an issue, but there is also the concern of feeling of being under constant surveillance. They consistently assume that if you cannot see the soldiers; that does not necessarily mean they cannot see you (Doumani, 40). This alarming state of mind causes Palestinians to be concerned for their lives, hoping that they live to see the next day. If Palestinians gain statehood, it would make sense for the occupation to slowly be removed, as their government grows in power, because pulling out right away would cause tension between the two states.

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In conclusion, there has been plenty of Pro-Israeli propaganda which has been streamed throughout the Western media. Although Israel as a nation has the right to defend itself, it has a history of attacking Palestinian civilians who have not posed a threat, and has shown little to no interest in reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Due to a small amount of legitimate attacks, Israel gained enough support in its defensive strategy of monitoring the Palestinian peoples. The monitoring of their movement plays a large role in the struggle of the daily life of Palestinians. They must cope due to obstaclessuch as checkpoints, road blocks, and the Apartheid Wall; they must deal with all these obstacles which cause for a great delay in ones daily routine. Not only do these obstacles cause a delay of ones routine; the consistency of monitoring the Palestinian people has caused for a state of paranoia within the communities. Palestinians have a limited amount of access to water sources, which causes for droughts and lack of crops. There have also been embargos preventing Palestinians from economic expansion. We have realized that these actions from Israel have prevented Palestinians to grow with a sovereign state of mind, because they trained their mind for the psychological warfare of an occupation, rather than their economic and political success. In order to reform the views Palestinians and Israelis have on one another, they must gain the capability of living next to one another as sovereign states and allies, and work in unity for peace. Currently, Palestinians retaliate against Israel simply because they are being occupied and the attacks will eventually end when both states have reached their full capacity. After both states reach their full capability, they will be able to work together in order to prevent terrorist attacks on both states. This is why we can come to the conclusion that in order to create a Palestinians state, Israel must allow for movement, a peaceful state of mind amongst all parties, and economic growth.

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Work Cited Bard, Mittchell. "Israel's Security Fence." Jewish Virtual Library. 28 July 2010. Web. 2 Feb. 2012. <http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/fence.html>.

Erickson, Barbara. "Bethlehem Residents Struggle Under Shadow Of Separation Wall." National Catholic Reporter 45.5 (2008): 22.Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. Doumani, Beshara. "Scenes From Daily Life: The View From Nablus." Journal Of Palestine Studies 34.1 (2004): 37-50. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. Wiles, Rich. "They Cannot Stop Our Dreams." Behind the Wall: Life, Love, and Struggle in Palestine. Washington, D.C.: Potomac, 2010. 97-102. Print. Wiles, Rich. "Bread and Water: The Struggles Fo Survival." Behind the Wall: Life, Love, and Struggle in Palestine. Washington, D.C.: Potomac, 2010. 142-46. Print. Ben-Dor, Oren. "Challenging Core Immorality In Palestine: Philosophical Reflections On The Anti-Apartheid Struggle And The Current 'Boycott Of Israel' Debate." Holy Land Studies: A Multidisciplinary Journal (Edinburgh University Press) 6.1 (2007): 75105.Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Feb. 2012.

GORENBERG, GERSHOM. "How To Open The Road." American Prospect 22.6 (2011): 1217. Academic Search Complete. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. Finkelstein, Norman G. Image and Reality of the Israel-Palestine Conflict. 2nd ed. London: Verso, 2003. Print. Isseroff, Ami. "DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON INTERIM SELF-GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTS." MidEast Web. MidEastWeb. Web. 06 Mar. 2012. <http://www.mideastweb.org/meoslodop.htm>. Said, Edward W. The End of the Peace Process: Oslo and after. New York: Vintage, 2001. Print.

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