If Palestine were a nation-state with secure defined borders, a reasonable economic and political system that protected the rights of all its citizens, respect from the world at large, and participation in global systems, there would be no Hamas or Hezbollah. They would have no reason to exist. As important as it is for Palestine to become a nation-state, so is it critical to recognize and ensure the sanctity of Israel.
To know why this Palestine does not exist, look no further than British colonialism; the brokering of “countries” after WWI, which included the fall of the Ottoman Empire; and the zeal of Russian Jews, in particular, to have a safe haven, i.e., a country of their own. Add to that the antisemitism of the West, who loved the idea of the Jews isolated in one place.
One of the results of WWI was Great Britain’s Palestine Mandate, which included Transjordan, chartered by the League of Nations to manage the land that had been the Palestinian section of the Ottoman Empire, signed into effect in 1923 to last until 1948, and meant to enable the area to be self-governing. There is a catch: also to create a homeland for the Jewish people among the Arabs/Palestinians, who were the great majority of those living in that area. This situation was extremely complex with innumerable behind the scenes negotiations, actions, and shenanigans. It is far too convoluted and chaotic to describe here (note the meaning of chaos under WORD WISE, very appropriate word use here).It’s important to note that the Palestinian territory of the Ottoman Empire included Muslims, Jews, and Christians all living in relative peace, until the politicians and diplomats stepped in.
Israel became a country; Palestine did not. Israel became the oppressors, usurpers, transgressors; leading Palestinians to become the terrorists, assailants, transgressors.
You want to end Israeli usurpation and oppression of Palestinians and destroy and defeat the purpose of Hamas and other Palestinian acts of aggression toward Israel: create a Palestinian nation-state with secure borders. Netanyahu notwithstanding, it’s the only solution.
It should have been done in 1923, but it’s not too late, even 101 years later.
We all know the complexity of achieving this, including the current Israeli right-wing government, the regional goals of Iran, the power of Hamas, and so much more. Nevertheless, the Palestinian state must exist, without damaging the security of Israel.
Related posts in this blog:
Exploring the Ottoman Empire I,
2/5/16, When you see the map of the Ottoman Empire, you get an idea for the land mass that the various powers had to “work” with.
9/7/16, An unfortunate new direction for Turkey under Erdogan, who is attempting to resurrect memories (if not the same territory) of the Ottoman Empire.