Israel Matzav

Guess whom they're blaming now!

Two nights ago, Israel Radio opened a special series to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification (today) and Israel's 60th Independence Day (next spring). The series is supposed to run throughout the year and one of its big topics is the fallout from 1967's Six Day War.

The first interview was with Hebrew University Political Science Professor Shlomo Avineri. Professor Avineri is not exactly known to be a right winger. He said something very interesting that I had never really considered. He said that there will never be any settlement between Israel and the 'Palestinians' until the 'Palestinians' acknowledge that they bear some responsibility for their own naqba (catastrophe - the 'Palestinians' celebrated Naqba Day yesterday because the State of Israel declared its independence on May 15, 1948 on the Gregorian calendar). Today, we see why Professor Avineri's observation is so prescient.

In a telephone conversation with al-AP from Damascus today, the deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, Moussa Abu Marzouk, blamed Israel, the US and the EU (including specifically Javier Solana, who may be the 'Palestinians' best friend in the West)for the internecine warfare between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza.

"The international community and Arab countries shoulder part of the responsibility for the current events due to their attitudes toward the national unity government," Abu Marzouk told The Associated Press by telephone in Damascus. "The continued financial and political siege has pushed matters to this simmering tension."

He also blamed Israel and Arab apathy toward the economic sanctions for the fighting.

"The Israelis are behind all these events," Abu Marzouk said. "It's illogical that the Arabs stand idle watching the Palestinian arena while it's on the verge of explosion under the siege. ... This is a constant pressure that has led to a real explosion."

Abu Marzouk singled out Javier Solana, the European Union's foreign policy chief, for criticism. "He was one of the main instigator for these events because he is continuing his siege of the Palestinian people and had boycotted Palestinian elections," the Hamas official said.

Of course, the 'Palestinians' could end the boycott at any time by accepting Israel's existence, but Abu Marzouk would rather play the blame game. But just give them a state reichlet and all will be well in the world.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:59 PM