UN Peace Resolution Fails...Again

           December the 30th, 2014 could have marked a monumental day in Palestinian history and a major step towards peace. A draft resolution put forth by Palestinian diplomats was rejected in the United Nations Security Council, despite 8 votes in favor and only 2 against. In order to pass, the vote needed 9 votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent security council members. Unsurprisingly, the two countries to reject the resolution were the United States and Australia. The reason for its rejection? According to the U.S Ambassador to the UN Samantha Powell the deal would somehow "undermine efforts in achieving a two state solution.". How exactly remains a mystery, because the proposals in this agreement were obvious steps towards peace between the two nations.
           The resolution was quite simple. End Israeli occupation in all Palestinian territories by 2017, make East Jerusalem the capital of Palestine, and achieve a long term peace deal in the coming 12 months. To restate, the agreement called for an end to the continued creation of settlements and occupation in the few remaining Palestinian territories, which is already a major violation of UN International Law. Also, it would still give Israel 2 more years to continue building these illegal settlements and occupying the West Bank. The deal also called for an imminent peace agreement, which Israel claims to so desperately want, but is somehow rejected for the sake of "avoiding any damage that may be done in creating any future peaceful agreements." This continued rejection of peaceful agreements further emphasizes the likelihood that there will never be a peaceful resolution to this century old conflict. Although several nations have opened their eyes to the issue and have begun to vote in favor of a Palestinian state, the United States continues side with Israel, no matter the issue. From the continued occupation and establishment of settlements across the West Bank, to the complete destruction( physically, mentally, and economically) of Gaza, the U.S continues to support Israel's irresponsible and inhumane actions.
         This failed resolution comes as no surprise to the Palestinian people, after an earlier resolution to name Jerusalem a shared capital between both Israel and Palestine also failed. This comes after Secretary of State John Kerry gave up his peace negotiations between the two nations in April. It is obvious why Palestinians are beginning to feel desperate, after continued refusal to become a full member of the United Nations, ongoing rejection of all peaceful agreements put forth, and little action being taken by the international community to prevent Israeli occupation and destruction. If one thing can be taken away from this, it is that the last thing the United States and Israel wants for Palestine is peace. This deal had monumental possibilities to bring peace to a group of people that so desperately need it, and could have marked the beginning of a new era of peace between the Israeli and Arab people. Don't be fooled by Israel and the U.S's claims of wanting to bring peace, when they are the main factor standing in the way of it.
        Blame for this continued rejection of peaceful agreements must also be put on the people who continue to create them, which is the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas. Rather than seeking a South African style movement against apartheid including boycotts, protests, and appeals to the International Criminal Court where Israel's war crimes would be put on trial, they continue the fruitless effort for peace between a country that obviously has no interest in it. The reason for the PA's avoidance of putting Israel on trial and creating a worldwide movement against them is their massive funding by the U.S. In short, the PA is just a pawn in Israel and the U.S's game. In order for there to be any possibility of a Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority must put their foot down, or step down from power. The diplomatic route for peace is clearly not working and therefore must be stopped immediately and changed to a justice movement for the Palestinian cause.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (right) continues to pursue a diplomatic effort for peace, despite obvious failure. The PA refuses to apply to the ICC(International Criminal Court) and charge Israel against war crimes in order to avoid losing their main source of income, the United States.

Attacks in Gaza Summer 2014- Who actually won?

       

One of this summer's bombings that played a role in the destruction of Gaza.

      The attacks in Gaza this summer took the lives of 2000 innocent people, hundreds of which were children and infants. Israel's irresponsible use of bombs and missiles was the cause of all this civilian death and complete destruction of Gaza. This attack destroyed the economy(it was already horrible, but it managed to get even worse), the stability(it wasn't really ever stable either, but once again, from bad to worse), and any potential hope of peace between the two areas. On the Israeli side, the only civilians killed were the three teens which initiated the attacks among 30-70 Israeli soldiers hit by Hamas missiles. Through these statistics, it would be an obvious claim to who won and who lost, but surprisingly, Hamas have claimed victory in these attacks.
   The ceasefire saw Hamas get no more than what they had in 2012. They claimed that they have "stopped Israel from a ground invasion" and the permanent destruction of Gaza. These claims do not sound anything like a victory, but if anything delaying the inevitable. While Israel's intentions are unclear and there is seemingly  no point to the complete annihilation of Gaza, it is a real possibility that they may at some point take Gaza, as they have done to the rest of Palestine. The rubble that remains of Gaza should serve as a lesson to Hamas that Israel will not hold back, especially for the pointless murder of civilians.
    Although Israel may have been able to make a claim that the attacks were purely in the interest of self-defense, the fact that 80 percent of those killed in the attacks were innocent civilians seems to refute any of such claims. One of the many notorious bombings perpetrated by Israel was one on a UN School building providing shelter for children. This attack killed 15 people, most of which were children, and left 200 wounded. This is just one of many incidents that must be globally condemned and put to a stop. An attack that solely saw the killings of Hamas members may be justified through means of self defense, but attacks that see 2000 innocent people killed, 10,000 wounded, and 500,000 displaced must be brought to attention.
     In truth, there are no winners or losers to this conflict. There is only a culprit and a victim. Gaza has fallen victim to Israel's ruthless attacks, and with the poor leadership of Hamas, it may remain this way for a long time. Peace seems a world a way in  Gaza, an area that only knows war. More to follow....

The militant group Hamas were elected to rule Gaza in 2006, and since the start of their rule, have not contributed much other than increased destruction of the area. 

Peace in Palestine- Is it Possible?

   Peace. Its the ultimate goal for the average human being. Its what we all seek, and all pray for. However, we all know that what goes on in the world, currently, in the past, and probably in the future wont be have this mystical, almost non-achievable element to it. While temporary peace is a possibility, long term, permanent peace seems unobtainable. This directly applies to what is currently going on in Palestine.  Since the start of Israeli occupation, the Palestinian people have head one clear enemy. But the truth is, it is more than just Israel that is inflicting pain in Palestine. Fellow Arab nations, along with several western states have been an active part in the demise of the Palestinian state.
   Palestine has been suffering the consequences of the decision to join the Ottoman Empire in WWII, which ultimately led to the nation becoming a British mandate and losing its statehood. Today's situation sees Palestine being broken into 2 territories, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, in the space of only 139 square miles, lives 1.8 million people. With limited water supply, access to technology, and even scarce food sources, Gaza is almost a giant prison. Attacks against Hamas always see an incredible amount civilian casualties occur, most recently this summer where 2000 innocent civilians lost their life. The irony in this situation is that the United States funds most of the military equipment that strengthens Israel, yet continues to call for peace between the two nations.
    Peace requires a sacrifice, both nations must be willing to give up something that is causing problems between the two. With Palestine, there is nothing left for them to give up. Everything valuable from land to resources have been stolen by the Israelis and anything that hasn't been taken yet will be in the future. Israel must give up almost everything, but see no reason to do so. If you had all you wanted in your life, would you be willing to give up most of it for happiness in someone else life. For these reasons, Israel continue to attend these "peace talks" but really mean nothing by it, other than faking a persona of caring to impress foreign nations. The only possibility for peace between the two is forced pressure on Israel from stronger nations such as the U.S. Looking at the American perspective, they have no reason to force Israel into giving up land, for they see Israel as the only source of stability in the Middle East. These reasons, among many others, all show the
lack of reality in these "peace negotiations" between the Israel and Palestine. Israel are not willing to give up so much of what they have taken to support a two state solution, and thus Palestine must regain its independence through fighting and oppressing the continuous occupation. Peace is along way from Palestine, and if it will eventually come, it will take a major fight to bring it.

Sweden- Advocates of Peace in Palestine

 

     A quite shocking event happened on October 3, 2014 in one of the must unlikeliest of places. Sweden (yes, Sweden!) have shockingly announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. Only hours after taking office, newly elected Prime Minister Stefan Lofven made his first announcement on foreign policy. In a jaw dropping moment, Lofven claimed that the only way for peace in the unstable region in the Middle East is through a two state solution between Israel and Palestine. He then said that Sweden will therefore recognize the State of Palestine. This refreshing decision proved that the new Swedish administration will not agree with all that the United States does and even went as far as to say Sweden would not want membership in NATO. This incredible act of courage by Lofven may serve as an example to other European nations that it is not always necessary to side with the United States and Israel.

Lofven and his administration during as news conference. 

      Responses by the United States and Israel were obviously condemning Sweden for their courageous step towards peace. Netanyahu even claimed that this decision would somehow "harm the peace process" while United States Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that Sweden's decision to recognize Palestine as a state was "premature". This condemnation of peace and equality for Palestinians comes as little surprise as Israel and the U.S. have been against Palestinian statehood for decades. This does however, cement the fact that little will be done about the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank and that the "peace negotiations" are utterly useless.
      Sweden and Lofven must be applauded here, for very few nations have had the courage to step up for Palestine since it lost its statehood in 1948. Palestinian leaders have descried Lofven's decision as "courageous and remarkable." However, will this act of courage go unprovoked across the world? Or will nations see Sweden as an example and stand up for the injustice that has been going on in Palestine for more than 60 years?  Although you may think that Palestine has had very little support, the majority of the countries in the world support Palestinian statehood. However, it is time that a foreign superpower such as Great Britain, Russia, or China also become an active part in the fight for Palestinian independence.

Highlighted Countries all recognize a Palestinian State- 2014

Palestine vs. India: Football

       

         The Palestinian national team returned to winning ways on Monday with a win over India in an international friendly that ended 3-2 at Siliguri. The dramatic game saw India take the lead at halftime 2-1, but the boys in red were able to secure a comeback. Star player Ashraf Numan added to his goal tally by scoring a wonderful goal, while youngsters Ahmad Maher and Yousef also got on the scoresheet. This match was the first game in charge for interim manager, Saeb Jendeya. This match also saw starlet Ashraf Numan become the second highest goal scorer in Palestinian football history, behind legend Ziyad Al Kord. This warm up game can serve as a relief for the Palestinians after a concerning run in the September Peace Cup. However, defensive woes continue as the team struggle to return to the incredible defensive performance in the AFC Challenge Cup.  The defense has conceited 9 goals in the past 3 matches and are struggling to regain from. That being said, this should not be a major concern, for several players from abroad such as Omar Jarun and Javier Cohene have been absent in recent matches.
       Is Palestine ready for the major Asian Cup starting in less than 3 months? The team has a major challenge by facing the likes of Japan, Jordan, and Iraq and if they plan to get far in the competition, a lot of work must be done. After the loss of former coach Jamal Mahmoud, a stable manger must be found by the PFA( Palestinian Football Association) as soon as possible. Rumors of legendary Diego Maradona taking the job were quickly dismissed, leaving much speculation. Palestine has the ability to turn heads and after climbing into the top ten ranked teams in Asia, they have shown their potential. It is a very real possibility that Palestine may become an Asian powerhouse, if the correct work is taken place. Follow this blog to say up to date with all of the Palestinian National Football Team's news.  For more up to date news with them, make sure to check out http://footballpalestine.blogspot.ie/ 

Khader Yousef celebrates his first international goal after about 50 appearances for his country. 

What is Palestine v.s. The World

Palestine vs. The World is a blog created by high school student Ahmad Al- Husseini. This blog seeks to inform the neutral about Palestinian politics, sports, and culture.