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.
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| 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. |
