As Israel continues to build settlements in occupied Jerusalem, it becomes clear that Israel is not serious about establishing peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of peace but when it comes to practicing it, it is evident that Israel is abusing international laws by building more colonies. The continuation of the civil war in Syria, emergence of Daesh and turmoil in Libya is actually benefiting and helping Israel to build more colonies and make life difficult for Palestinians.
However, settlements are not the only obstacle for obtaining peace, rather the Gaza blockade, the daily punishments and imprisonments of Palestinians are what makes it difficult to reach an agreement.
Under the blockade, more than 1.6 million people in Gaza live in poverty, lack sufficient healthcare services and education as well as poor infrastructure as a result of the invasion.
While Palestinians have no access to the seaport or the airport from fear of Israeli air strikes, the Israelis enjoy a high-standard of living with freedom to travel and trade with rest of the world.
The killing of 22 year-old Khair Al Din Hamdan by Israeli police on November 8 is a sign of the increasing use of violence by Israeli police against civilians. Similarly, the Palestinian attack on a synagogue points that Israelis cannot live in peace while Palestinians are suffering.
In July, when three Jewish settlers were found dead, Israel responded by killing more than 2100 Palestinians in Gaza, including 500 children. Yet, there has been no punishment on the Israeli officers who abuse Palestinians on a daily basis, nor on those who have committed war crimes in Gaza.
As long as the occupation continues, peace will never be achieved. In addition, Israel’s policies will only radicalise those people who still believe that a two-state solution is possible through negotiations.
- The reader is an Afghan logistics executive based in Dubai.
