Michael Schulz
The following notes are based on a powerpoint presentation. I assume the presentation will be posted at http://kursportal.student.gu.se/inst/S2GLS%7C_%7CNONE/RS2235/filuppladdning/browse2.php?dir=Kursmoment%2FLecture+notes+and+ppt
in the near future.
Negotiations Preceding and During the Al Aqsa Intifada
The al Aqsa intifada erupted in September 2000. But even as the bloodiest of two popular uprisings continued to claim lives on the streets of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, peace agreements were sought by top level officials.
Camp David, 2000
- After approximately one hundred years of conflict, this was the first time top level leaders met to discuss key issues.
-Arafat was blamed for the breakdown of negotiations.
Taba
- At this point, there was little to no public support for a peace treaty.
- Barak withdraws from negotitations because his mandate is coming to an end.
- The Israeli public wanted the government to get tough on the occupied territories and thus elected Sharon.
The Conflict Escalates
- The conflict reached a level of violence not experienced since the 1930s.
- All Palestinian groups participated in the al Aqsa intifada.
- Some viewed the uprising as a criticism of the PLO.
Israel and Southern Lebanon
- Israel unilaterally withdraws from southern Lebanon in 2000 and Hezbollah takes over.
- Hezbollah emerged during Israel's war with Lebanon (1982-1985).
- Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 is viewed as a humilitation in Israeli society.
Oslo II, 1995
- Areas A, B, and C established
- More and more checkpoints
- Palestinian movement is severely limited.
- As a result, Hamas initiates suicide attacks
Israel's Response to the al Aqsa Intitifada
- The al Aqsa intifada is marked by increasing confrontration.
- Israel pressures Arafat to control all Palestinian groups including terrorists.
- Israel initiates the "security wall".
● This was previously unthinkable.
● The goal was to isolate Arafat and stop suicide bombers.
The Process After 2001
- Arafat put under house arrest in Ramallah.
- Israel invades the West Bank.
- In August 2005, Israel withdraws unilaterally from the Gaza Strip and evacuates all settlers.
- Sharon views Araft as the "big problem" and a primarily obstacle toward resolution of the conflict.
- In 2002, the Arab League offers Israel a peace plan.
● This peace plan was initiated by the King of Saudi Arabia.
● Israel almost completely ignored the proposal.
- U.S. President George W. Bush endorses a two state solution.
● This is significant because no previous U.S. president had done so.
● Although there was global support for a two state solution after Oslo, Rabin never stated that the Oslo Peace Process would result in a two state solution. However, a majority of Israelis believed this would be the outcome.
- Hamas initiates a cease-fire agreement to end the al Aqsa intifada.
- In November 2004, Arafat dies and this transforms the situation on both sides.
- In January 2005, Abbas becomes President as well as chairman of Fatah and the PLO.
- Abbas did not want Hamas to join the PLO.
- Palestinian municipal elections are held in 2005.
● Hamas participates and de facto recognizes the Oslo Peace Process.
- National elections are held in January 2005 and Hamas wins a majority of seats.
● Hamas' platform is change and reform.
● The West boycotts Hamas.
● Israeli society is shocked by the election of a "terrorist" organization.
● The Israeli left feels betrayed and disappointed.
● This was a turning point in Palestinian democratic development.But, unfortunately, Fatah could not accept the results of the election and a Fatah Hamas power struggle ensued.
● Hamas forms a government and even considers acknowledging Israel's right to exist. However, Hamas efforts were stymied by international isolation and condemnation.
- Violence continues to escalate until the Saudi's come into the picture in Spring 2007.
● This was a great oppotunity but was, ultimately, yet another missed opportunity.
● A joint government was briefly formed in Gaza and the West Bank but, soon, negotiations broke down and intra-Palestinian violence escalated.
● As a result, two governments emerge with Fatah controling the West Bank and Hamas in charge of the Gaza Strip.
● An internal rift between Fatah and Hamas persists to this day.
- The Separation Fence in April 2007
● The fence made Israelis feel more secure and less vulnerable to suicide attacks while it made Palestinians feel more isolated.
● The fence creates a lot of problems for Palestinian society. Students are separated from schools, families are separated from eachother, farmers are separated from their lands, etc.
- Paradox: It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to meet but Track I negotiations continue to occur.
Hamas
- Ahmad Yasin (1936-2004) is viewed as the founder of the movement.
- Yasin is assassinated in 2004 along with many other top Hamas leaders.
- Hamas is comprised of a social branch, a military branch, and an intelligence section.
- The political structure is democratic with a Shura council.
- The identity of Hamas leaders is often veiled in secrecy however, Khaled Mishal is known to have served as the chair.
- Within the political structure there is an increasing rift between insiders residing in Gaza and outsiders. There is also a rift between hardliners and moderates.
- Hamas doesn't see democracy as conflicting with Islam.
● This illustrates how democracy is a global phenomenon with diverse local interpretations and forms of implementation.
- Hamas' 1988 charter is often quoted as evidence of the group's violent intents.
- Article 9 and 10
● "The rights of our people" are paramount but signed agreement can be honored.
- In 2007, Hamas states that they agree with the Beirut Position from 2002 which means that they are prepared to make a truce with Israel in exchange for land. However, many Israelis believe this is merely a tactical move rather than a genuine gesture toward peace.
The Gaza War (December 27, 2008- January 19, 2009)
- Violence erupts after Hamas takes control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
- In September 2007, Israel declares Gaza as a war zone and initiates a naval blockade.
- A truce is declared but ends on December 18, 2008. This is when Hamas starts to fire Qassem rockets into southern Israel.
● As a result, Israel invades and launches a major military operation called Operation Cast Lead.
- Internationally, fear mounts that Syria, Hezbollah, and Jordan might enter the war.
- Hamas may have won the war "militarily" but many Palestinians blame them for heavy causalties suffered during the conflict.
Potentials for Peace
- The Olmert Plan: land swaps to accomodate Israeli settlements. This plan is acceptable to most Palestinians.
- Even the division of the Old City of Jerusalem has gained support within Palestinian society.
- Paradox: While more and more technical solutions are being proposed, peace remains ellusive
- Today, both sides continue to distrust eachother.
- Continued disagreements persist between Fatah and Hamas which is disappointing to many Palestinians some of whom do not support either party.
- Hamas is not against non-violence per se but finds it an inefficient method.
- "The Third Wave" is a Palestinian group that supports secular, non-violent resistance and is gaining support.
- The most complicated issue that is still unresolved is "The Right of Return".
● Although there was a figure on the table at Camp David, it was not accepted by Arafat.
- Although most Palestinians view "The Right of Return" as individual right, if Fatah and Hamas work together on this issue a compromise could be reached.
- Schulz contends that the refugee issue should be tabled until other, less controversial issues are resolved beginning with Jerusalem.
- There is a global consensus on a two state solution and peace principles but a deal has not been reached and civil society is becoming increasingly radicalized.
- Possible avenues for peace include:
● civil society
● Track II negotiations (Of course, this is difficult because the EU and the US have labeled Hamas as a terroritst organization.)
***It is important to note that Fatah never abadoned the use of violence. So, in this respect, there is no philosophical difference between Fatah and Hamas.***
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