A Palestinian unity government has finally been formed with the support of all factions, indicating the remarkable and sincere efforts by all the Palestinians.
Beyond doubt, this shows the love they have for their homeland and an ardent desire to realize their aspirations. Despite some marginal differences and disputes, the newly formed government has been able to gather all the Palestinian groups under one umbrella for a bold new phase in the struggle for independence.
To be sure, the new government’s priority is nothing but the interests of the Palestinian people. This has given a feeling of reassurance to the Palestinian people and inspired a new confidence in them to aspire for a better future.
The people hope that the new government will undertake all efforts to get the current sanctions lifted as early as possible.
The formation of the new government has come at a time when the Palestinian people are going through harsh conditions caused by the siege imposed by Israel. Much is expected of the new government as it shoulders great responsibilities. The government is required to continue dialogue with Israel whether it is within the framework of the “Quartet” panel or outside, with special focus on its main and inalienable demand and objective, which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as the capital.
This is the hope of not just the Palestinians but all Arabs. And this is the objective for which the Palestinian people struggle relentlessly with their hearts overflowing with the love of the nation, strengthened by a collective will that cannot be weakened by the enemy’s arsenal of heavy and advanced weapons.
Undeniably, the Palestinian government derives its strength from the people who have elected this government to power. There is no doubt that they will stand solidly behind their government. They are ready to give their blood for freedom.
Hopefully, the government will participate in the talks with Israel with ever more confidence in view of the full backing it has received from all peace-loving people worldwide who have always supported the right of the Palestinians to an independent state of their own.
It is now as clear as crystal that the Israelis want to avoid or postpone talks and offer nothing but false promises.
History is witness to such delaying tactics by the Israelis. Agreements hammered out at Oslo, Madrid and Sharm El Sheikh, which everybody thought represented the final and ideal solution to the crisis, have been thrown to the winds by successive Israeli governments, driven by arrogance and obstinacy. Their tactic has been to place more and more unreasonable demands on Palestinians.
The Palestinian people have made a lot of concessions, reaffirmed their goodwill several times and provided the required guarantees, but to no avail.
Israel continues to demand more and more concessions from the Palestinians. But one thing is clear: There will not be any compromise on the demand for a Palestinian state, which is an undeniable right of the Palestinian people.
All international institutions sponsoring the peace process and all countries helping defuse the crisis have to consider this demand as an urgent and top priority of the Palestinians. It is a right that cannot be overlooked.
No doubt, the next stage will be much more difficult for the Palestinian people as they have to contend with the demand to recognize Israel which continues to establish settlements at will in the occupied territories and engage in all types of savage practices, including demolishing houses and arresting and killing youths. All these are intended to force the Palestinians to accept the fait accompli and reduce them to the status of slaves.
It is a fact that in all negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel has tried to dictate terms and conditions. But this policy will not succeed; the Israelis can’t force the Palestinians to be servile to them.
All Palestinians are ready to offer whatever sacrifice demanded of them for the sake of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital. This demand should be met before Palestinians recognize Israel.
— Essa bin Mohammed Al-Zedjali is editor in chief of The Times of Oman.
