Israel's continuous escalation of attacks against the Palestinians, particularly the killing of civilians, will only lead to greater resistance in retaliation, whether inside the Palestinian areas or inside Israel-proper. It is imperative, for the arrest of deteriorating situation and for the resumption of security talks that Israeli aggressions be brought to an end. The Sharon government must also desist from its policy of assassinating Palestinian leaders and of targeting unarmed and innocent civilians. To that end, the US should direct a clear ultimatum to Israeli PM Sharon, warning him against pursuing his foolish aggressions. - Al Ahram
The world's failure to treat the Palestinians and Israelis on an equal footing underlines the long-running conflict, which is threatening a big explosion and uncontrollable chaos in the region. The latest shocking proof was how the world, primarily the US, reacted to a series of cold-blooded killings perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians at the weekend. In less than a couple of days, ten Palestinians, including two children, were slain in savage Israeli attacks.
The world kept 'mum' on what undeniably bore imprints of war crimes. To preempt any potential criticism over its state terrorism, Israel said it would open probes into the killing of civilians. But the promised inquiries will surely boil down to nothing. After all, can the executioner blame himself? Not a single voice was raised in the US, which has been unsparing about heaping the blame on the Palestinians, to censure the Israeli perpetrators, let alone demand they be brought to justice.
This questionable and unethical silence starkly contradicts the typical American response every time Palestinians mount retaliatory bombings against their oppressors. More than once, President George W. Bush came out to condemn the Palestinians, branding them as "killers" and "terrorists". He has eventually bought Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's allegation that what he is doing to the Palestinians is a regional war on terrorism. With this American 'nod', Israel is taking its genocidal war against the Palestinians to new appalling heights, ironically when talks are dragging on to defuse protracted tensions. If me Israelis are to feel secure, the Palestinians too must feel that their lives are no less valuable. If not, then expect the worst. - The Egyptian Gazette
Going back to school after basking in the relaxing mood of the summer vacation must be a refreshing experience for schoolchildren and parents alike. Children usually feel thrilled when they accompany their parents to shop for school uniforms, shoes and stationery. Not for Palestinian children.
Their past summer break was certainly the worst in years. Unlike their peers in other parts of the world, the Palestinian youngsters spent the past months terrorised by constant Israeli attacks. Some of them were among the casualties. Survivors have been living under subhuman conditions generated by economic and military stranglehold which the Israeli troops have slapped over their areas. In April, Israel mounted a massive and bloody incursion into the Palestinian self-rule towns, the bulk of them are now reoccupied and suffering under inexorable curfews.
An estimated one million Palestinian pupils this week went back to their schools in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. What was supposed to be a thrilling experience is proving to be life-threatening. Droves of little schoolchildren were seen the other day making their way to school as heavily armed Israeli soldiers were everywhere. Palestinian schoolchildren recall in fright the spectacles of their colleagues killed in cold blood by Israeli soldiers during the past school year. Accounts abound about how little pupils were slain while on way to and from school in Israel's brutal bid to quell the Intifada against occupation. Others are living with permanent disabilities.
Educational institutions in the self-controlled areas have, meanwhile, borne the brunt of Israel's ruthless clamp-down on the Palestinians. Scores of schools are left either bullet-scarred or in ruins.
Terror fills the air. Reported attempts by human rights groups to improve the situation have foundered on Israel's recalcitrance and pugnacity. Now that the US has ruled that Palestinians are terrorists and must be shown no mercy, Israel is stopping at nothing to crush their revolt for independence and statehood. With all these atrocities, Israelis outrageously accuse the crippled Palestinian Authority of feeding Palestinian youngsters on a diet of hatred. But do Israeli practices leave room for otherwise? - Ramadan Abdel Kader, The Egyptian Gazette
The world's failure to treat the Palestinians and Israelis on an equal footing underlines the long-running conflict, which is threatening a big explosion and uncontrollable chaos in the region. The latest shocking proof was how the world, primarily the US, reacted to a series of cold-blooded killings perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians at the weekend. In less than a couple of days, ten Palestinians, including two children, were slain in savage Israeli attacks.
The world kept 'mum' on what undeniably bore imprints of war crimes. To preempt any potential criticism over its state terrorism, Israel said it would open probes into the killing of civilians. But the promised inquiries will surely boil down to nothing. After all, can the executioner blame himself? Not a single voice was raised in the US, which has been unsparing about heaping the blame on the Palestinians, to censure the Israeli perpetrators, let alone demand they be brought to justice.
This questionable and unethical silence starkly contradicts the typical American response every time Palestinians mount retaliatory bombings against their oppressors. More than once, President George W. Bush came out to condemn the Palestinians, branding them as "killers" and "terrorists". He has eventually bought Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's allegation that what he is doing to the Palestinians is a regional war on terrorism. With this American 'nod', Israel is taking its genocidal war against the Palestinians to new appalling heights, ironically when talks are dragging on to defuse protracted tensions. If me Israelis are to feel secure, the Palestinians too must feel that their lives are no less valuable. If not, then expect the worst. - The Egyptian Gazette
Going back to school after basking in the relaxing mood of the summer vacation must be a refreshing experience for schoolchildren and parents alike. Children usually feel thrilled when they accompany their parents to shop for school uniforms, shoes and stationery. Not for Palestinian children.
Their past summer break was certainly the worst in years. Unlike their peers in other parts of the world, the Palestinian youngsters spent the past months terrorised by constant Israeli attacks. Some of them were among the casualties. Survivors have been living under subhuman conditions generated by economic and military stranglehold which the Israeli troops have slapped over their areas. In April, Israel mounted a massive and bloody incursion into the Palestinian self-rule towns, the bulk of them are now reoccupied and suffering under inexorable curfews.
An estimated one million Palestinian pupils this week went back to their schools in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. What was supposed to be a thrilling experience is proving to be life-threatening. Droves of little schoolchildren were seen the other day making their way to school as heavily armed Israeli soldiers were everywhere. Palestinian schoolchildren recall in fright the spectacles of their colleagues killed in cold blood by Israeli soldiers during the past school year. Accounts abound about how little pupils were slain while on way to and from school in Israel's brutal bid to quell the Intifada against occupation. Others are living with permanent disabilities.
Educational institutions in the self-controlled areas have, meanwhile, borne the brunt of Israel's ruthless clamp-down on the Palestinians. Scores of schools are left either bullet-scarred or in ruins.
Terror fills the air. Reported attempts by human rights groups to improve the situation have foundered on Israel's recalcitrance and pugnacity. Now that the US has ruled that Palestinians are terrorists and must be shown no mercy, Israel is stopping at nothing to crush their revolt for independence and statehood. With all these atrocities, Israelis outrageously accuse the crippled Palestinian Authority of feeding Palestinian youngsters on a diet of hatred. But do Israeli practices leave room for otherwise? - Ramadan Abdel Kader, The Egyptian Gazette