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All innocent lives are equally important, but when the number of Palestinian deaths (particularly of the children who are often defined as collateral damage) so strongly outweighs the number of Israeli deaths (the ratio being over 4 Palestinian deaths to 1 Israeli death out of well over 1600 lost lives and the time of writing) the Palestinian feeling would justifiably get worse.
Although to its credit Israel has no “suicide-bomber” creating schools, there are numerous reports of discrimination against Arab children in Israeli schools. Perhaps this causes the ill feeling amongst many Palestinian children. Also there are many not very often mentioned reports of Israeli extremists turning on Arabs living in Israel.
The Western world repeatedly criticise the PA for obtaining weapons from various sources (the US provides weapons for the Israelis and is the strongest PA criticiser). However, when Israel repeatedly contravenes international law to expand their state through the building of illegal settlements, and when many right-wing elements in Israel are talking about the mass extradition (i.e. ethnic cleansing) of Palestinians, what will they have to defend their lives and their livelihoods? Why should they not go to war? Many Palestinians condemn suicide bombers but those who don’t say that the suicide bombers are the only weapons against Israeli terrorism. I think this is wrong, as effective diplomacy such as pro-Palestinian lobbying in America is more effective, doesn’t weaken the Palestinian perspective and most importantly, does not kill innocent Israelis. What do you think? Do you think terrorism is the only weapon left to the Palestinians? If you had your house robbed or your family thrown into the streets, your friends killed, no justice shown to you and no freedom, would you feel angry enough to contemplate this level of actions? Do you think killing an Israeli living in the occupied territories is less wrong than killing an Israeli living in Israel, bearing in mind those settlers in the occupied territories are illegally occupying the land? Do you think the Palestinians would be better off with Gandhi’s non-violent, passive resistance? These are difficult ethical questions for consideration.
It must also be stated that many Palestinians are distressed about their own government. Arafat’s own security forces have committed human rights violations against the Palestinians, and the PA are now incredibly out of touch with their people. Unfortunately there is a growing rift between the numerous different factions of the Palestinian people, with the recently increased number of extremists drowning out the many moderate and liberal viewpoints.
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N Gadd
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Feedback I have received N Gadd | Jun 5th, 2002
After receiving much feedback from many people about this article, I must say that there are a few striking omissions that I have made and these will be addressed before the second version, because I agree with them completely.
Firstly, it is increasingly evident that the first steps for peace have to be taken by the Palestinian Authority and that only when the terror networks are destroyed can anything positive happen.
Also, a very important issue is that in many Palestinian schools there is substantial hate-mongering, and blaming of all of the Palestinians' problems on the Israelis. Clearly the brainwashing of the Palestinian youths is another huge problem.
Looking at both sides, I have also forgotten to mention the dehumanization which allows either side to not feel guilty when they are committing all sorts of crimes. This is much more pronounced in the case of the Palestinian suicide bombers who think they are serving a just cause by murdering innocent civilians, or carrying out actions which are for the greater good, but we must also mention the prominent Israeli politicians such as Ehud Barak who make statements like "all Arabs are liars", a racist dehumanization which is the pretext of so much discrimination.
Other mistakes N Gadd | Jun 5th, 2002
I have been reliably informed by one of my friends who is a Zionist that Zionism is not expansionism (which is what I have equated it with in my essay) but rather the legitimate desire for a safe Israeli homeland. Hence I must apologize for this error.
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