PA
Recruited by Israel
B'Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
Land Grab: Israel's Settlement Policy in the West Bank.
Conclusions:
"Israel has created in the Occupied Territories a regime of separation based on discrimination, applying two separate systems of law in the same area and basing the rights of individuals on their nationality. This regime is the only one of its kind in the world, and is reminiscent of distasteful regimes from the past, such as the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
The drastic change that Israel has made in the map of the West Bank prevents any real possibility for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state as part of the Palestinians' right to self-determination." May 2002 Report
Unveiling the Veil
In the past three decades, pivotal issues at the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have been neglected by the Palestinian Authority (PA). Instead, their agenda has been steered by secretive deals with Israel, particularly following the Oslo Accords.
This neglect has perpetuated a cycle of dispossession, settlement expansion, and denial of fundamental rights.
The normalization of Zionist settler colonial apartheid through the corrupt Palestinian Authority (PA) and authoritarian Arab rulers has been perceived as a tacit endorsement of Israeli policies. This includes the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and the ongoing blockade of Gaza, further entrenching the status quo of Israeli occupation and oppression. Thirty years of normalization have dramatically eroded the achievements of the grassroots movement of the First Intifada, both on the ground and in terms of the international solidarity it gained.
Madrid Conference deliberately obstructed
The Madrid Conference of 1991, sponsored by Gorbachev and Bush, an exceptional gather, hailed as a potential breakthrough, was obstructed by the PA's weak and isolated leadership, which feared losing control amid the growing support for grassroots activists emerging from the First Intifada.
This leadership was known for decades its extreme attention for maintaining the exclusive possession and control of the finance and cashflow.
It entrenched in its own power dynamics, pursued secretive deals with Israel, excluding key stakeholders, public observatory, international participation and avoiding substantive discussions on core conflict issues.
They kept it secret even from the Palestinian delegate in Madrid who genuinely used to keep them informed and consulted on every move.
Israel's dream came true when a corrupt group that was easy to manipulate in the dark agreed to work with/for them.
It was not convenient to give concessions in Madrid anymore.
Deceptive Agreements and Disappointing Talks
Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue, PA leaders prioritized self-preservation and financial gain, engaging in deceptive negotiations that lacked substance. Their focus was on maintaining control and legitimacy, even as they failed to address essential issues such as ethnic cleansing, settlement expansion, refugee rights, and sovereignty.
Their main concern was how to present themselves as supposed Liberators while entering Jericho to administer the occupied/dispossessed people on Israel behalf. While Israel rolls out the red carpet for them, they needed deceptive pompous celebrations with patriotic triumphal chants at their entrance. Israel allowed fighters to wave their empty Kalashnikovs on their entrance aiming to emphasize the deceptive Liberation. These Kalashnikovs would be flipped to M16 as soon Israel needed to get rid of them for updating its arsenal.
Their primary focus lay in crafting a façade of liberation upon their entry into Jericho, despite their true intent to administer the occupied and dispossessed people. As Israel welcomed them with open arms, they orchestrated elaborate and deceptive celebrations, complete with patriotic chants and grandiose displays. Israeli authorities even permitted the ostentatious waving of empty Kalashnikovs, enhancing the illusion of liberation. However, these Kalashnikovs would be flipped to M16 as soon Israel needed to get rid of them to update its arsenal.
Mandate of Complicity
The PA's mandate, akin to the Kapos in concentration camps, was to keep grassroots activists of First Intifada under control and to administer the occupied population in the best interests of their Israeli employers. Over last 30 years, this complicity normalized apartheid policies and perpetuated the occupation, all while sidelining genuine efforts for Palestinian liberation.
During last 30 years, there was no interest for an independent Palestinian economy. At the best, PA is bargaining Israeli work permits!
Between the
hammer and the anvil
Palestinians find themselves caught between two coordinated intelligence forces – the PA and the Israeli military – both silencing dissent and perpetuating a cycle of oppression.
Understanding this complex dynamic is essential for navigating the path towards freedom and justice.
To comprehend the Palestinian Authority (PA), it's essential to grasp the nature of the leadership in exile, which primarily prioritized financial gains and regional clout.
Over the years, before the Oslo Deal, active Palestinian students abroad often found themselves marginalized and targeted by corrupt "official" puppet representatives.
These puppets were keen to silence activists for maintaining the status quo, which favoured old privileges, leading to a lack of effectiveness in their diplomatic efforts.
Dormant Diplomacy
Genuine Palestinian students who pursued education abroad encountered resistance from Palestinian officials affiliated with diplomacy, who were intent on maintaining the status quo of inactivity to safeguard their privileges. This created a stark contrast in mindset, with privileged official-affiliated diplomats opposing genuine, economically struggling students who were engaged in activism.
Over the course of decades, Palestinian "diplomacy" proved to be unprepared and largely ineffective. Palestinians gradually came to the realization that the occupation was not temporary as initially perceived; instead, the Zionist settler colonial project emerged as a more structured and enduring endeavour.
The Zionist project has historically benefited from the Palestinian Diplomacy's perceived incompetence and exploited corruption to its advantage. Before the Oslo deal, this exploitation was indirect, while afterward, there was open coordination between intelligence agencies through official channels.
Israel has been always looking for armed clashes to fuel its project
The extent of Palestinian understanding regarding Israel is crucial in shedding light on the most effective path towards achieving freedom while minimizing human costs. It is through the lens of prolonged resistance that we can discern strategies that hold promise. However, it's imperative to recognize that deceptive and grandiose displays, marked by pompous language and ostentatious celebrations with fireworks, only serve to bolster Israeli propaganda. This dynamic is elucidated in the discussion on both sections of Foundations and Indoctrination.
Israel Thrives on Conflict: Firework smoke fuels Israeli propaganda!
Ineffective
Leadership in Exile
Fueling Israeli Purposes
It is a tragic and complex aspect of the Palestinian struggle that some segments of the leadership, particularly in the context of armed resistance in exile, were marred by corruption and manipulation.
The exploitation of young individuals, who were driven by genuine aspirations to contribute to the liberation of Palestine, is a distressing reality.
Corruption
The presence of corrupt leadership within certain Palestinian factions, especially those in exile, compromised the integrity of the resistance movement. Corruption may have involved financial mismanagement, embezzlement, and manipulation of resources intended for the Palestinian cause.
Manipulation by
Regional Powers
The corrupt leadership's susceptibility to manipulation by regional powers further undermined the genuine efforts of those who believed in the cause. External actors often sought to advance their own agendas through these factions, using them as proxies in regional conflicts.
Exploitation of Youth
Young Palestinians, often in their late teens or early twenties, were exploited by the corrupt leadership. Their genuine commitment to the cause was manipulated for political purposes, and they were sometimes sent into situations where success was unlikely, leading to unnecessary loss of life.
Symbolic Actions
Sending young fighters on extreme missions, especially timed around anniversary celebrations, served symbolic rather than strategic purposes. This not only exploited the youth but also served as a tool for the corrupt leadership to showcase activity and commitment to external sponsors.
Economic Productivity
of Conflict
The perpetuation of conflict and the involvement of young fighters may have had economic implications for certain factions and leaders. The continuation of armed resistance, even if symbolic, might have garnered financial support from external sources.
Impact on Refugee Families
The loss of young lives in pursuit of often futile missions had a profound impact on Palestinian families. The despair resulting from the loss of promising youth for symbolic gestures rather than concrete progress in the struggle for liberation added to the hardships faced by refugee families.
Symbolic Rituals
The practice of taking group photos before perilous missions highlights the symbolic nature of these actions. It served as a ritualistic demonstration of commitment, often at the expense of the lives of those involved.
Need for Critical Examination
Such practices underscore the importance of critical examination within the Palestinian movement. It highlights the need for transparent and accountable leadership that prioritizes the well-being and genuine aspirations of the people over symbolic actions with limited strategic impact.
In essence, the exploitation of young fighters and the perpetuation of symbolic actions for the benefit of corrupt leadership raise important ethical and strategic questions within the broader context of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
Israel Thrives by Armed Clashes
A paradoxical dynamic where militarized resistance, whether from the Israeli military or Palestinian armed factions, has served certain purposes for Israel, particularly in the context of armed clashes.
This paradox is characterized by a set of interconnected outcomes:
1. Fuelling Propaganda
Israel often portrays itself as a victimized oppressor facing existential threats. Armed clashes provide a narrative that reinforces this perception, helping shape international opinion and garnering support for its actions. The portrayal of Israel as the victim also facilitates the dehumanization of the Palestinian population, creating a narrative that justifies its military actions.
2. Testing New Weapons
Armed conflicts serve as real-world testing grounds for Israel's military technology. The experience gained from these conflicts not only helps Israel refine its existing weaponry but also positions it as a leading exporter of military hardware. The marketability of tested and proven military technology becomes a significant aspect of Israel's defence industry.
3. Silencing Internal Dissent
During times of conflict, there is often a tendency to foster internal unity by suppressing dissenting voices. In Israel, a unified media narrative is crucial for maintaining public support for military actions. The external threat posed by armed clashes can be used to justify restrictions on internal criticism or opposition, presenting a facade of unity in the face of a common enemy.
4. Consistent Failure Without Accountability
The consistent failure without accountability is a norm during wartime. This dynamic allows those in power to deflect criticism by attributing failures to external enemies. Accountability for strategic or operational failures may be overshadowed by the urgency of dealing with an external threat, silencing opposition through a sense of collective responsibility against a common enemy.
5. Hierarchical and Centralized Power
Both the Israeli military and armed resistance factions share a hierarchical and centralized power structure. This pyramidal command approach is a common feature of military mindsets, whether on the side of the oppressor or the oppressed. The First Intifada's success, marked by a decentralized and grassroots approach, challenged this traditional military structure.
Armed clashes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have contributed to a complex web of consequences that extend beyond the immediate battlefield. The paradox lies in the fact that, while armed clashes may seem like a form of resistance, they have also played into certain dynamics that serve Israel's interests. The effectiveness of alternative, non-violent forms of resistance, as demonstrated by the First Intifada, challenges this established paradigm.
Expulsion from Jordan to Lebanon (1971)
The expulsion of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from Jordan in 1970-71, known as Black September, was a significant event in the history of the Palestinian struggle. The PLO, headed by Yasser Arafat, had established a semi-autonomous state within a state in Jordan, which led to tensions with the Jordanian government.
1. Political Turmoil
The PLO's presence in Jordan contributed to political instability and internal conflict. The organization was accused of challenging the authority of the Jordanian government and attempting to establish an independent Palestinian state on Jordanian soil.
2. Armed Struggle
The PLO's engagement in armed resistance against Israel from Jordanian territory led to increased hostilities. The organization's military activities, including attacks on Israeli targets, drew Israeli reprisals, and this conflict spilled over into Jordanian territory.
3. Loss of Popular Support
The PLO's actions, including the hijacking of airplanes and attacks on foreign diplomats, led to a loss of support among the Jordanian population. The Jordanian government, facing internal dissent, sought to curb the influence of the PLO.
4. Foreign Interference
The involvement of various external powers in the conflict, including the United States and Israel, further complicated the situation. The Jordanian government faced pressure from these external actors to take decisive action against the PLO.
The culmination of these factors resulted in a series of confrontations between the Jordanian military and the PLO in September 1970. The Jordanian government, led by King Hussein, declared martial law and initiated military operations against the PLO. The conflict, known as Black September, led to heavy casualties and the eventual expulsion of the PLO from Jordan to Lebanon.
As a result, the PLO relocated to Lebanon, where it continued its struggle against Israeli occupation. The events of Black September had a profound impact on the dynamics of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the broader Middle East region.
Expulsion from Lebanon to Tunisia (1982)
The expulsion of the PLO from Lebanon to Tunisia occurred in the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. The PLO, which had established a significant presence in Lebanon, became embroiled in the complex dynamics of Lebanese politics and the broader regional interests.
1. Israeli Invasion
In 1982, Israel launched a military invasion of Lebanon with the aim of eliminating the PLO's military infrastructure and pushing its forces out of southern Lebanon. The invasion resulted in a protracted conflict that caused significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
2. Siege of Beirut
The Israeli military laid siege to the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where many PLO leadership and fighters were concentrated. The prolonged siege and intense bombardment led to a negotiated agreement for the evacuation of PLO forces from Lebanon.
3. Multinational Force
As part of the evacuation agreement, a Multinational Force, including U.S., French, and Italian troops, was deployed to oversee the departure of PLO forces from Beirut. The evacuation took place in stages, with PLO fighters and leaders departing by sea and air.
4. Destination in Tunisia
The primary destination for many evacuated PLO members was Tunisia. The North African country agreed to host a significant number of Palestinian refugees and PLO officials. Tunis became a base for the PLO's leadership in the years following its expulsion from Lebanon.
Centralised
Military Leadership
The centralised military leadership, primarily based in Tunisia, had a longstanding approach of managing power and wealth. This centralised structure was characterised by a focus on military strategies and connections with regional powers.
Lack of Interest in
Localised Leadership
The centralised leadership did not show interest or trust in localized leadership within the occupied territories, which were directly under Israeli occupation. The emergence of local leaders in the occupied territories during the First Intifada challenged the established order.
Patriotic Rhetoric and Lack of Accountability
The centralised leadership often used patriotic rhetoric to deter dissent and accountability. The military mindset within this structure tended to dismiss logic and dissent, reinforcing centralised power dynamics.
Global Focus
on Peaceful Resistance
The global attention during the First Intifada was directed towards Palestinians engaging in peaceful resistance within the occupied territories. This shift in focus marginalised the role of the centralised leadership based in Tunisia.
Loss of Sponsors and Financial Strain
The centralised leadership faced financial strain and a loss of sponsors after supporting Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait during the Gulf War. The subsequent defeat of Saddam in the Gulf War resulted in the loss of support from Iraq and Kuwait, leaving the leadership almost bankrupt.
Controversial upport for Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
Isolation and Madrid Conference
Despite the Palestinian delegation at the Madrid Conference keeping the centralised leadership updated and genuinely consulting them, the leadership felt increasingly isolated. The prospect of concessions made directly between Israel and the occupied territories' representatives threatened their influence.
Fear of Exclusion and Incompatibility
The centralised leadership began to realise that positive outcomes from the Madrid Conference, such as concessions from Israel to the occupied territories' representatives, might exclude and isolate them.
Their military-centric structure was seen as incompatible with the emerging civil society in the occupied territories.
Julia Bacha: “First Intifada which is largely misunderstood also in Palestinian society... women were the ones leading the underground resistance... but they were pushed aside... that has huge implications today for the possibility of a successful movement... how we move into the future.”
"it was a grassroots movement, it was very horizontal"
Emerging Competent Localised Leadership
...but betrayed by secretive parallel Oslo sell-out
Haidar Abdel-Shafi, a real leader with integrity
betrayed and bypassed.
Desperation and Secretive Proposal
Faced with financial difficulties, isolation, and the potential loss of influence, the corrupt leadership in exile rushed to present a secret proposal to persuade Israel for a parallel and secretive deal. This move reflected desperation and an attempt to secure a role in the evolving political landscape.
Rushed for Secretive Oslo Sellout of First Intifada achievements.
Oslo
Deal صفقة
The Road to Abraham Accords
Legitimized the Settler Colonial Apartheid over the last 30 years, eradicating the achievements of the First Intifada.
Disparity in commitment and priorities between the
genuine representatives from the occupied territories
and the deceptive exile leadership
genuine representatives from the occupied territories
and the deceptive exile leadership
To highlight the unsuspecting nature of the occupied territories' representatives and the manipulative tactics employed by the corrupt leaders in exile during these crucial negotiations.
Oslo was meant only to help Israel consolidate its occupation and colonisation of Palestine.
With the backing of the international community and the Israeli regime, Arafat pursued governance based on patronage and corruption that had little tolerance for internal dissent.
The architects of Oslo were not interested in Palestinian statehood or liberation but rather wanted to find a way to get the Palestinian leadership to quietly agree to capitulation and suppress any further resistance at the grassroots.
Why we Palestinians are closer to the abyss than we ever have been?
A corrupt subcontractor, the Palestinian Authority (PA), rushed into a secretive deal against the representatives of the First Intifada to secure power and control any opposition to their decades of failure. Acting as a settler colonial police force, the PA has systematically eroded the achievements of the grassroots movement, which was characterized by its unique underground social infrastructure and supportive network.
After 20 years of corrupt leadership in exile, they chose to normalize ties with the settler colonial apartheid regime, switching sides and undermining the international solidarity gained during the First Intifada grassroots uprising. This prolonged deception from within is worse than the Naksa of 1967. Over the past 30 years, in coordination with Israeli intelligence, they have shamelessly continued their deceptive rhetoric, paving the way for the Abraham Accords.
Subcontractor Recruited by Israel
Forgotten
Deceptive Parallel Talks
While the Palestinian occupied territories' representatives were engaged in sincere public talks at Madrid International Conference, they trusted the exile leadership and kept them updated, unaware that the latter was involved in parallel and secretive negotiation.
The corrupt leadership in exile conducted parallel and secretive negotiations. The aim was to position themselves as subcontractors for Israel's security, presenting themselves as potential collaborators rather than representatives of Palestinian interests.
Betrayal of Trust
The occupied territories' representatives had no clue that the exile leadership was pursuing a deal that contradicted the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
The betrayal of trust became evident as the exile leadership, instead of genuinely representing Palestinian interests,
sought collaboration with Israel behind closed doors.
"...You promised not to leave me if I take care of your needs!"
Forgotten
Isolated and Ineffective
Leadership in Exile
Rushed for Secretive Deal with Israel
Betraying First Intifada Achievements.
Focus on Control,
Not Key Issues
Unlike the occupied territories' representatives who focused on crucial issues such as refugee return, settlements, water, land resources, and sovereignty, the corrupt leadership's primary concern was gaining entry into Palestine with a deceptive victorious narrative.
Their focus appeared to be on control and collaboration rather than addressing fundamental Palestinian concerns.
Common Purpose
with Israel
The corrupt military leadership in exile found common ground with Israel, as both parties had a shared interest in managing Palestinian activists. Israel, facing international criticism for its settler colonial occupation, might see an advantage in having a proxy to control Palestinian dissent.
Sandwiches vs Maps
The stark contrast between the presentations in negotiations is telling. While Israeli representatives came prepared with maps, reflecting a serious commitment to territorial and sovereignty discussions, the Palestinian delegation led by the corrupt exile leadership presented sandwiches. This symbolises a lack of focus on fundamental issues like settlements, borders, resources, and suggests a more superficial approach to negotiations.
Forgotten
"You are hired. let's shake hands" "You won't be disappointed. A hug!"
Betrayal and Shock
after Oslo
The distance of 30 years from the Oslo Accords has intensified the shock and sense of betrayal among Palestinians.
The realisation that the Palestinian Authority (PA), which emerged from the corrupt leadership, became willing to collaborate with Israel for administrative control while relinquishing key aspects of sovereignty and security, has deepened the impact of the betrayal.
"Thankful" "I'm at your service"
Israel's Strategic Investment
Israel has found a strategic investment in recruiting the corrupt PA to administer the occupied territories. The PA's focus on work permits and administrative control, rather than building infrastructure for an independent economy, raises concerns about its commitment to genuine Palestinian self-determination.
You may exchange labels
but Nazi Israeli behaviour with PA complicity is very similar.
This is not an Israeli checkpoint with a PA assistant.
The persecuted have their clothes marked with yellow stars, they are not Palestinians who use to carry different ID cards where religion is reported.
Labour
Before the Oslo Corrupt Deal, the leadership in exile advocated for Palestinians to stop working in the Israeli industry or construction. This stance might have been rooted in resistance against economic dependence on the occupier and a desire to weaken the Israeli economy through non-cooperation.
However, after the Oslo Corrupt Deal, there has been a shift in strategy. The leadership, since became the Settler Colonial Police Force with clear mandate for administering Palestinian Occupied Territories, started requesting Israel to release more work permits for Palestinian workers in lack of interest in creating infrastructure for an independent Palestinian economy.
Exploitative Work Permits
The PA's emphasis on obtaining more Israeli work permits is viewed as a continuation of historical exploitation rather than a step towards economic independence. This aligns with a perceived mindset of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainable development.
Suppress and silence Palestinian resistance
became shared interests of both PA and Israeli regime.
Deceptive Celebration
for entering Palestine
"As I told you in Oslo, I don't really care about Refugees or Settlements.
My main concern is the ceremony:
please, allow my men to wave empty Kalashnikovs while entering Jericho as supposed liberators with victorious chants.
Then, during night, we will flip to M16."
Their focus wasn't on refugees, settlements, water, land resources, or sovereignty.
Their primary concern was to enter Palestine
using deceptive victorious rhetoric
chants and ceremonies,
waving empty Kalashnikovs,
as supposed liberators,
while Israel rolls out the red carpet.
AK47 Flipped to M16
for Settler Colonial Police Force,
Hired by Israe!
B'Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
Land Grab: Israel's Settlement Policy in the West Bank.
Conclusions:
"Israel has created in the Occupied Territories a regime of separation based on discrimination, applying two separate systems of law in the same area and basing the rights of individuals on their nationality. This regime is the only one of its kind in the world, and is reminiscent of distasteful regimes from the past, such as the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
The drastic change that Israel has made in the map of the West Bank prevents any real possibility for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state as part of the Palestinians' right to self-determination." May 2002 Report
Not Allowed to Return to Their Homes
