NATIONWIDE WOMEN'S PROGRAM JUL 1 ~ 1992

PEACE NOTES -

Middle East Peace Education Program American Friends Service Committee Issue No. 11 July 1992

Occupation Primer by Billie Marcllik* Itmayappearthattheoccupationserves lands and livelihood, and brutalized by the purpose of ensuring Israeli security the military occu~tion, many Pales­ Since June 1967, Israel has occupied through the control of Palestinian land. tinians are finding it in their economic the West Bank (including East Jerusa-. But the real intention is far more in­ and human interestto leave their historic lem), the Gaza Strip, and the Golan sidious- to facilitate permanentlsraeli homeland. Heights. 1 Whether or not Israel origi­ de-facto annexation of the occupied nally intended to relinquish control of areas through Jewish settlement. In the Administrative Structures the occupied lands, in the past 25 years process the "silent transfer" of Pales­ The military government exercises ab­ it has taken numerous steps to perma­ tinians is occurring. Deprived of their solute legal and administrative control nently change their legal status and over the 1. 9 million Palestinians Iiving demographic character. _...... ,', in the occupied West Bank and Gaza ~-. Strip. 2 Separate military commanders/ Israel has developed a system of arbi­ ) governors oversee control of the two trary military orders designed to change areas. Vested with total legislative and Beir..r,,,,,, .. _.:' the "facts on the ground". Palestinian . executive powers, the area military civil rights have been denied and nu­ ,:, • D0t1Q.S'Ct($ commander has the authority to issue, ..,' merous repressive practices,have been , _,, \ " I suspend or annul military laws, to ap­ instituted to silence dissent and exact _.. ,: i \5 YR. LA point or dismiss military judges and : )GOLAN compliance with the occupation. 5e11-1 • various officials, and to administer all y,1t.ff (I~ ... Measures have been used to confiscate aspects of the occupation. Such powers ,,, .. -.... \... -. ., Palestinian land and transfer possession/ ' ,,. .I ' --- .. , are arbitrary and absolute, without re­ ownership exclusively to Israeli Jews. : We.st: view or recourse ( except in a very few Settlements have been constructed, a .\ B.tnk •A"'man restricted areas where the Israeli Su­ network of roads created, and water ]~~ preme Court has jurisdiction). Over resources monopolized to expedite the ( Sa (- ,...... ' 1350 military orders have been issued colonization of the Occupied Territories JORDAN in the West Bank, and more than 1000 3 by Jewish settlers. In addition, military . in the Gaza Strip , covering in minute '. ' I' orders have been used to hobble Pal­ •I I detail virtually every aspect of life. A I . estinian economic growth in order to .. .' ) number of these military orders have prevent competition with producers in •, ( . I not been translated into Arabic or even I Israel and the settlements. . 4 ' ,' published. EGYPT \ : ,,- -- I I I I I * Billie Marchik coedits MEPN and Sinai !J-:a~: _____ /,/ (continued on page 8) works in the Des Moines AFSC office. -

Editors' Note

June 1992 marks 25 years since the 1967 War when Israel captured the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights. Edited by Deena Hurwitz; Preface by Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer New Society Publishers, 1992 For the 1.6 million Palestinians who This collection of essays by 19 Israeli activists who oppose live under occupation, Israeli rule means the occupation, offers a glimpse of an Israeli social the denial of their human and political movement from its own perspective, provides startling rights, and the loss of their land and insights into the problems of life and dissent in an increasingly militarized society. and gives clues for how economic livelihood. For Israeli soci­ concerned US allies can help to foster a durable, just ety' the occupation fosters acontinuing resolution of the Israe li -Palestinian conflict. state of war, dehumanizes those who are called upon to enforce it, and drains Ordering Information - $16.95 including shipping and handling. Orders in CA away economic resources needed for add 8% sales tax. Send to: Resource Center for Nonviolence, development within Israel. 515 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (408) 423-1626. The Resource Center for Nonviolence offers a wide-ranging educational program in the history, In this issue we provide a primer on the theory. methodology, and current practice of nonviolence as a force fo r personal and social change. occupation, describing the administra­ tive structure and the repressive mea­ Middle East Peace Notes is a quarterly newsletter jointly prepared by the AFSC Middle East/International Affairs programs in the Great Lakes and North sures that form the backdrop of dally Central regions. The newsletter is printed and mailed from Denver, but repre­ Palestinian life. sents the collective work of the following staff:

Two other articles are included which Richard Cleaver Charlie Silver describe the resistance to the occpation: 1414 Hill Street 1535 High Street, 3rd Fl. Ann Arbor, Ml 48104 Denver, CO 80218 one focuses on Palestinian efforts to (313) 761-8283 (303) 322-6353 end Israeli rule and establish indepen­ dence; the other addresses the different Jenntter Bing-Canar Billie Marchik strategies employed by Israeli peace 59 E. Van Buren, Suite 1400 4211 Grand Avenue activists to end the occupation and work Chicago, IL 60605 Des Moines, IA 50312 (312) 427-2533 (515) 274-4851 towards peaceful coexistence.

We recognize that for some ofour read­ ers this issue will not provide new in­ The American Frien,ds Servi~e C:o~ittee is . ii Quaker organization supported by, formation. However, we hope that individ~~ls who care about. peace/i&ial .i!•ticcra.nd humanitarian service. Its t-vo~k ii these articles will be used for educa­ based .on the_Quaker belief in the'. dign~ty: a~d wotth of every person, and a faitli 4t the tional purposes in schools, religious, power of love and nonviolence to bring about change. and civic settings where people are Since 1948 the AFSC has worked with Israelis, Palestinians and other Arabs in the addressing the Israeli-Palestinian con­ flict for the first time. Middle Eas!- .It has initiated artd 11upported humanitarian projects in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the •UIIounding' Arap ;tates - project, of community organization, development, !!arlr;~ildhood edtl~ation, relief, reconstruction and reconciliation. Again, we thank you for your continu­ ing activism on Middle East issues and AFSC: ~upportll Israel's right to exist within 11ecure j111d recognized borders. At the same your ongoing support of MEPN. time it affirms the right of Palestinians to national self·determination including their right to a state. AFSC: believes that an international peace conference between representatives The Editors -- of all parties to the conflict'- Israel, the PLO, neighboring Arab states, and members ~f the. UN Security Council .. can letd l9 a comprehensive settlement assuring mutual Jennifer Bing-Canar, Chicago recognition, mutual security, and self~etermination for both Israelis and Palestinians. Billie Marchik, Des Moines

Middle East Peace Notes 2 July 1992 Palestinian Resistance to Occupation

by Jennifer Bing-Canar* Jews would have full equality. This organization dependent on the Syrian was to be achieved through all means regime which harbored it to an open, The image of a Palestinian male, dressed necessary, including armed struggle. self-propelled national liberation orga­ ina black and whitekeffiyehandhurling Using the ChineseNietnamese model nization in Jordan. "2 a stone at an armed Israeli soldier, has of a "people's war", Palestinians en­ been popularized as the symbol of the gaged in guerilla warfare, infiltrating The Palestinian movement's presence Palestinian resistance. However, Pal­ the West Bank and attacking primarily in Jordan was soon to change. The rise estinian resistance to Israeli occupation military and economic targets in Israel. of Palestinian power and autonomy, in the West Bank and Gaza is more Although militarily inferior to Israel, especially among the guerrilla forces, complex than the picture of a young resistance fighters gained a sense of precipitated a crackdown by the Jorda­ stone thrower. Palestinian strategy and pride in facing the Israeli army directly nian government. Clashes with the resistance have evolved and developed in combat. Jordanian army in 1970 and 1971 over time, passing through important eventually forced the Palestinians to changes in the past two decades. This relocate to Syria and Lebanon. After article will attempt to review major the relocation, radical factions within aspects ofthis development and provide the PLO began staging spectacular an analysis of where the Palestinian guerrilla actions, such as hijacking and resistance stands today. terrorism, in order to draw world at­ tention to their cause. This remained Phase of Liberation controversial within the Palestinian Prior to 1967, Palestinians looked to movement. the Arab states to recover their land by means qf conventional war with Israel. Phase of Independence In 1964 the Arab states, led by Egypt, Salim Tamari has written: "Since the created the Palestine Liberation Orga­ mid-1970s, and to large extent as a nization (PLO), keeping it under close consequence of the October 1973 War supervision. Palestinians (except those in which for the first time there was a living in the Gaza Strip) were prevented stalemate between the military might from organizing political parties or of Israel and that of the Arab world, a electing official representatives. significant shift occurred in the formu­ .. lation of Palestinian nationalist objec­ Immediately following the June 1967 tives. Palestinians now called for Israeli War, the Palestinian national movement Palestinian grafitti !Bing-Canar photo withdrawal from the occupied territo­ entered, what Palestinian sociologist ries and the establishment of a Palestin­ Salim Tamari calls a "phase of libera­ During this period, the PLO grew or­ ian state in those areas from which tion. "1 Given the Arab states' stunning ganizationally, building new institutions Israel would withdraw. "3 defeat by Israeli forces, Palestinians and attracting new personnel and decided to develop a revolutionary popular support. The number of gue­ Following the war in 1973, the Pales­ movement, independent of Arab state rilla groups increased dramatically so tinian national movement changed its control, located in Jordan. that the PLO began to fulfill a coordi­ political goal in the direction of a "two nating role. An elaborate social appa­ state" solution with Israel. In 1974, The goal of the Palestinian movement ratus emerged, providing social services after gaining wide acceptance interna­ was to create a democratic secular state such as schools, child care centers, or­ tionally as the "sole legitimate repre­ in all of Palestine where Arabs and phanages, clinics, and hospitals. "In sentative of the Palestinian people", the less than three years," writes Palestin­ PLO upgraded its diplomatic missions ian researcher Sameer Abraham,"the *Jennifer Bing-Canar co-edits MEPN around the world, worked within the and works in the Chicago AFSC office. Palestinian national movement was United Nations to gain support for na­ transformed from a weak, clandestine tional independence, and engaged in

Middle East Peace Notes 3 July 1992 dialogue with influential Israelis and Palestinians in the Occupied Territo­ The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon Zionists.4 ries adopted the tactic of "samud" or and siege of Beirut resulted in signifi­ steadfastnessto resist Israeli army re­ cant civilian losses,10 and ousted the The commitment to revolutionary pression. Many Israeli efforts were PLO from Lebanon. Although the armed struggle was, according to made to break this resistance and to leadership escaped unharmed, the PLO Abraham, "operationally relegated to a defeat the popularity o.f the PLO which once again became dependent on and strategy of self-defense, as opposed to had successfully run candidates in vulnerable to host Arab states. The the preceding period when it was con­ municipal elections in 1976. (The 1982 war later resulted in a split in the ceptualized as an offensive weapon. mayors were later removed by Israeli national movement between the main­ Terrorist activities had all but ceased by authorities.) stream and leftist factions. However, in 1974 or were carried out by fringe February 1987, the General Union of groups outside the PLO's control."5 In response, the Israeli government Palestinian Writers and Journalists held under the leadership ofLikud launched their general conference in Algiers, In the 1970s, the PLO embarked on a a campaign to "smash the bases of PLO bringing together all of the main PLO 6 7 effort of "national reconstitution" , in power both militarily and politically" factions. Two months later the PLO essence creating a nation in exile. In by invading Lebanon and imposing an was formally reunified at the Palestine Lebanon, a community ofsome400,000 "iron fist" policy in the West Bank and National Council meeting in Algiers. 11 Palestinians organized an elaborate Gaza. The Israeli military carried out a This development was to be critical in social welfare infrastructure, including series of repressive measures in the the early stages of the uprising in the PLO institutions for health, education, Occupied Territories in the form of "a West Bank and Gaza Strip. culture, industry, research, law, and wave of arrests, detentions without economic development. Palestinian charges, deportations, and [by] set[ting] The Intifada resistance groups also had formed in up armed militias of collaborators Setting the stage. Several factors set part to protect Palestinians in Lebanon. known as the Village Leagues."8 Al­ the stage for the outbreak of the Pales­ though Palestinians resisted through tinian uprising or "intifada" in Decem­ Meanwhile, similar structures also de­ various acts of civil disobedience and ber 1987. First, several Palestinian veloped in the West Bank and Gaza. confrontation with the army, their ac­ "uprisings" occurred in the 1980s: one The objective of this was to help Pales­ tions were generally contained and of a in December 1986, after several Birzeit tinians endure the Israeli occupation. dispersed nature. 9 University students were killed by Is­ raeli troops, and a second in January 1987 following the deportation of Pal­ estinian activists.

Second, the Israeli army had a policy of using live ammunition to quell dem­ onstrations. By the fall of 1987, several human rights organizations had offi­ cially expressed their concern over the shooting of demonstrators. 12

Third, the Palestinian question was completely ignored at the Arab Summit held in Jordan in November 1987. This sent an important signal to Pales­ tinians in the Occupied Territories that their hope for an external political so­ lution, particularly one assisted by the Arab .states, was unlikely.

Thus the stage was set for a Palestinian initiative to come from the Occupied Painting by 15-year-old Salwa Sawalhi, Gaza Strip. Territories. On December 8, 1987, an

Middle East Peace Notes 4 July 1992 , Israeli truck driver collided with a line centers; when communities were put called on Palestinian business owners of cars at a military checkpoint in the under prolonged curfews, committees to reorganize the work week, hire more Gaza Strip, killing four Palestinian began household animal production and workers, and not deduct wages for work workers and injuring seven others. home gardens projects, and groups were days missed due to curfews and strikes. 17 Rumors spread that the accident was formed to distribute food and medicine. intentional, sparking protests through­ According to Tamari, "The uprising By the end of 1988, the momentum of out the area. On December 9, 15-year­ has brought about a further crucial de­ the intifada empowered the PLO to old Hatem Sissi of Jabalia Refugee velopment: a shift in perception from embark on a bold new political initia­ Camp was on his way home from school one of survival and endurance to an tive. "From the intifada went the in­ when he joined in a stone-throwing agenda of building a power base which spiration and the force that transformed demonstration held to protest the events can challenge the ability oflsraeli colo­ diaspora Palestinian caution and am­ of the day before. Hatem was shot nialism to control the territories on a biguity into clarity and authentic vision: twice by Israeli soldiers concealed in a day-to-day basis." 16 thisofcoursewasembodiedinthe 1988 nearby house, and became the first fa­ Algiers PNC Declarations."18 tality in the uprising. Within days, Palestinian protests spread throughout In November 1988, the Palestine Na­ the Gaza Strip to refugee camps in the tional Council (PNC) adopted a Decla­ WestBank. Thousands of men, women, ration of Palestinian Independence and and children took to the streets to de­ lllll,lllt:l~I formally accepted United Nations mand an end to Israeli occupation. Resolutions 242 and 338, which laid the framework for a two-state solution Building a Power Base. A "sponta­ and formally recognized the State of neous civil insurrection" lasted for three Israel. In December, PNC Chairman weeks, until the uprising became insti­ Yasser Arafat formally renounced ter­ tutionalized under the command of the rorism. The national movement strat­ United National Leadership of the egy now combined pressure on the oc­ Uprising (UNLU). UNLU, an under­ cupier (through the intifada) with a ground leadership composed of repre­ conciliatory political stance of compro­ sentatives of the various political fac­ mise and coexistence. In 1989 the PLO tions, emerged in early January 1988 to t/lilllllll!I went on a diplomatic offensive and coordinate the intifada. UNLU' s regular gained increased international support, communiques provided a suggested The mass participation in the intifada including an official "dialogue" with schedule of resistance activities and permitted the growth of Hamas (an the U.S. Dialogue and public meetings "often reflects on recent events, gives Islamic resistance organization) which between Israelis and Palestinians oc­ encouragement and ptaise to groups or sometimes cooperated with UNLU, but curred as well, culminating at the end of villages experiencing particular diffi­ also competed for sympathies of the 1989 in a symbolic show of unity culties, warns collaborators not to work Palestinians living under occupation. through the formation of a human chain against the intifada, and presents the Hamas seeks an Islamic state in all of of Israelis and Palestinians around the evolving political program."13,14 Palestine and rejected the PLO' s moves Old City of Jerusalem. toward compromise with Israel. The West Bank and Gaza Strip emerged In the Occupied Territories, the Israeli as the primary area for Palestinian re­ In the first year of the intifada, Pales­ government banned popular committees · sistance. An "intifada" or "shaking tinians mobilized to dismantle the oc­ (late July 1988), crippling some of the off'15oflsraeli military rule was under­ cupation by building alternative struc­ earlier efforts to build self-sufficiency. way. Neighborhood and popular com­ tures and coordinating joint nonviolent Collective punishment measures (such mittees, largely created in the 1980s by actions such as general strikes, display­ as extended curfews, house-demolitions, various PLO factions, improvised to ing national symbols (such as hanging closure of institutions) increased in all meet the needs of the population and flags or writing graffiti), and not paying areas: refugee camps, urban centers, establish self-governance: when taxes to the military government. and rural villages. In 1989 there were schools were closed, popular schools UNLU called on police and tax collec­ more Palestinian injuries and deaths were set up in homes and community tors to resign and encouraged the boy­ caused by gunfire, more Palestinians cott of Israeli projects. UNLU also were detained, and massive street dem-

Middle East Peace Notes 5 July 1992 onstrations became less frequent. Col­ Following the Gulf War, the Bush Ad­ haps premature) was dominant, por­ laborator networks were rebuilt by ministration launched a new effort to trayed poignantly by Palestinian youth the Israeli authorities, resulting in a bring Palestinians, Israelis, and neigh­ bringing olive branches to stunned Is­ "anti-collaboration campaign" carried boring Arab states into negotiations. raeli soldiers. As the U.S.-led peace out by newly formed intifada "shock Palestinians had several reservations process continues without any tangible forces". By 1990, many Palestinians about the process, particularly U.S. (and progress toward ending the occupation including the PLO expressed concern Israeli) insistence that official Pales­ or even a settlement freeze, Palestinians over the excesses in treatment of col­ tinian representatives not be members have become more vocal in their criti­ laborators and perceived collaborators, of the PLO or be residents ofJerusalem; cism of the process and less optimistic as hundreds of Palestinians were killed that the Palestinians' right to self-de­ about its outcome. by other Palestinians in the Occupied termination not be recognized at the Territories on the pretext of working as outset, and the United Nations not be Another source of frustration in the Israeli army informants. involved. Despite their anxieties, the Palestinian movement is the lack of PLO endorsed participation in the ne­ response to Palestinian calls for de­ New Challenges. Several challenges gotiations. mocratization in the national move­ to Palestinian resistance occurred in ment. Since the end of the Gulf War, 1990: 1) land confiscation in the Occu­ The Palestinian national movement several public forums were held in pied Territories increased; 2) the settle­ achieved a public relations coup at the Jerusalem and in Palestinian newspa­ ment construction expanded under Is­ opening of the peace talks in Madrid in pers to discuss some of the weaknesses raeli Housing Minister Ariel Sharon's October 1991, eloquently articulating of the intifada and the state of the Pal­ leadership; 3) the Soviet immigrants the Palestinian desire to "end the pro­ estinian national movement. Some of into Israel intensified, displacing m:;my longed exchange of pain" with Israel the concerns expressed were: the lack migrant Palestinian workers; and 4) and replace "domination with coexist­ of an organized decision-making pro­ school closures and other collective ence". For the first time, Palestinians cess; the lack of an overall program to punishments continued, resulting in spoke on their own behalf at the nego­ regulate the economic, cultural, judi­ further social and economic hardship. tiating table. In the Occupied Territo­ cial, and public health sectors; the lack Political infighting between various ries, a festive atmosphere (though per- of balance between local initiatives and popular committees, such asin the health sector, also resulted in duplication of services and increased tension in com­

" munities. The emergence of Islamic ~ . . conservatism also affected social con­ duct, particularly for women who in some communities were pressured to cover their heads and dress "modestly".

The Gulf crisis also had a devastating impact on the Palestinian community. Those in the diaspora were forced to flee their homes in the Gulf, leaving behind their possessions and their jobs which served as an important source of revenue for the national movement. Those living in the Occupied Territo­ ries experienced new vulnerability un­ der prolonged curfews, loss of Gulf remittances for families and institu­ 19 tions, and threats from Iraqi missiles. / // Palestinians also experienced interna­ : } .. tional isolation for their support for Iraq during the war. Drawing of a funeral march by an 8th grade Palestinian student, 1989. Middle East Peace Notes 6 July 1992 --

the national interest; a sense of im­ pect of "normal daily life". Footnotes: 1. Salim Tamari, "What the Uprising Means",~ mobility and routine caused by the lack The Palestinian Uprjsjng Against Israeli Occupation, of creativity in developing new forms Despite these challenges, the Palestin­ (Boston: South End Press, 1989), p.130. of struggle; and the need to establish an ian resistance has been transformed by 2. Sameer Abraham, 'The Development and Trans­ internal leadership that will have the at least two important dynamics of the formation of the Palestine National Movement", Qi.:. confidence of the people.20 intifada: the popular involvement of all cupation: Israe) over Palestine, (Belmont: AAUG sectors of Palestinian society in resist­ Press, 1989), p.631. In response, the Palestinian leadership ing the occupation, and the deterrnina­ 3. Tamari, ''What the Uprising Means", p.130. has supported debate, stating that it is a tionofthePalestinian peopleto continue 4. Abraham, pp.638-639. healthy sign that people can openly to struggle until they achieve their goal disagree and debate the tactics, strengths of independence. 5. Abraham, p.642. and weaknesses of the movement. In 6. Edward Said, "Reflections on Twenty Years of recognition of the desperate state of the Palestinian History", Journal of Palestine Studies, Vol. Palestinian economy, UNLU has re­ XX, no. 4, Summer 1991, p.20. cently stated that shopkeepers may stay 7. Tamari, ''What the Uprising Means", p.131. open beyond the closing hours instituted 8. Tamari, ''What the Uprising Means", p.132. during the early months of the intifada. 9. Tamari, ''What the Uprising Means", p.132.

UNLU has indicated that fewer general 10. An estimated 15 - 20,000 Palestinians, Lebanese strikes will be called and some efforts and Syrians, the majority civilians, and 500 Israelis are being made to repair relations be­ were killed in the three months of the war. [Deborah J. Gerner, One Land. Two Peoples: The Conf)jct over tween the nationalist parties and ~. (Boulder: Westview Press, 1991), p.88.] Hamas.21 The Palestinian proposal for an interim self-government includes· 11. RashidKhalidi, 'ThePalestinianPeople: Twenty­ two Years After 1967", lntjfada: The Pa)estinjan modalities for conducting democratic Uprjsjng Agajnst Israeli Occupation, (Boston: South elections in the Occupied Territories End Press, 1989), p.122.

for a 180-member legislative assembly 12. Anne E. Nixon, The Status of Pa)estjnian Chj)dren in an effort to create a public leadership durjng the Uprising jntheOccupjedTerritorjes: Chj)d directly responsible to its constituents. Death and Injury - Part 1, (East Jerusalem: Radda Barnen, 1990), Vol. l, p.6.

Repeatedly, the Palestinian negotiating 13. Gerner, p.127.

team has voiced its concerns to U.S. 14. Although UNLU is composed of Palestinians Secretary of State James Baker that from inside the West Banlc and Gaza Strip, interaction people in the Occupied Territories need with the PLO has been continuous, including on the direction of the Palestinian national movement. to see positive results from the negotia­ tions. Instead, Paiestinians watch as 15. The Arabic root for "intifada" is "nafada" which more of their land is confiscated and While the stone-throwing Palestinian means to shudder or tremble, shake off, to recover, or jump to one's feet. trees uprooted for Israeli settlements youth is an important symbol of Pal­ and infrastructure, experience extended estinian resistance, so too is the Pales­ 16. Salim Tamari, "The Uprising's Dilemma: Lim­ punitive curfews, and witness increased tinian woman who defiantly protects ited Rebellion and Civil Society", Middle East Report. May-August, 1990, p.7. number of Palestinians killed by Israeli her children from a soldier's club, the undercover units. educator who clandestinely teaches 17. Phyllis Bennis, From Stones to Statehood; The Pa)estjnjan Uprjsjng. (New York: Olive Branch Press, reading in his home, the prisoner who 1990), p.39. Many challenges face Palestinians who organizes a hunger strike for better are resisting occupation. Some of prison conditions, the shopkeeper who 18. Said, p.21. these include the pressures Palestinian sells only Palestinian products, the 19. Palestinians for the most part did not receive gas women face having to resist Israeli health worker who spends her days and masks nor were their communities equipped with occupation and continue their struggle nights caring for the injured, and the early warning systems during the Gulf War. Both precautions were universally available in Israel. for equality in Palestinian society, or negotiator who together with Israelis the difficulties Palestinian parents and strives to find a solution recognizing 20. Azmy Bishara, "Palestine in the New Order", educators face as they watch their chil­ the needs for self-determination and Middle East Report, March-April, 1992, p.6. dren/students grow up in an atmosphere security for both Israelis and Palestin­ 21. Daoud Kuttab, "PLO Gets Its Act Together" where brutal violence becomes an as- ians.# Mjddle East International, No. 426, May 29, 1992, p.11. Middle East Peace Notes 7 July 1992 continued from page 1 ... ::::::;:::;::::::::-::::::;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;.;,;:::;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;,;.;:::;:;:;:;:;.;:;:;:;:;:;.;:;:::::.:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;.;.;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:::::;:, son was fleeing.8 However such regu­ In 1981, following the initiation of the lations did not restrict the use of fire­ Camp David autonomy talks, Israel llilllll 11111! arms against unarmed demonstrators, · created the "civil administration" .5 children, or persons who happen to be Designed as a type of Palestinian "self­ wearing a keffiyeh as protection against rule", the new administration assumed ll!A\lllii[I the weather. Consequently, "Israeli control of most civilian functions of the security forces have used lethal force occupation. Although some 21,000 llillJ1III JI ~II against Palestinians for, among other Palestinians were integrated into this illl ii ~i rli~II~ :,; things, demonstrating, stone-throwing, administrative framework, ineffectthey raising a Palestinian flag, writing graf­ served as agents of the occupation. fiti, wearing a mask, erecting barricades, Having no authority to select their own burning tires, distributing leaflets, or representatives, to pass legislation or to fleeing when ordered to halt or while amend the system - such powers be­ dispersing from a demonstration or ing reserved for the military governor clash."9 - they merely administered a system subordinate to the military government. In February 1992, changes in the In creating this, Israel was attempting regulations allowed soldiers to use live to establish a framework for Palestin­ ammunition to apprehend wanted per­ ian autonomy which left the military sons, or if a person is armed but no occupation intact. weapon is drawn ( although it is unclear how soldiers would know in such in­ A dual system of governance6 was de­ stances that a person is armed). A veloped, allowing Jewish settlers to be Another 121,000 are estimated to have soldier charged with shooting illegally governed under Israeli law rather than been injured. 7 Palestinians have been is not required to prove that the action the military law. To accomplish this, shot with live ammunition and with was in self-defense. 10 the Knesset passed special provisions plastic bullets. A number of small extending Israeli law beyond the pre- children have lost their eyes from rub­ Since early in the intifada Israel has 1967 borders ofthe country. Inaddition, ber-coated bullets. Clubs have been operated special undercover army units separate governmental units were es­ used to break bones in order to deter in the Occupied Territories, which use tablished for the settlements, giving stone throwing and instill fear in the civilian clothing and vehicles to disguise them a different legal status. Thus, population. Tear gas has been fired into themselves as Palestinians in order to Jewish settlers living in the West Bank confined spaces, resulting in respira­ track down and kidnap or execute Pal­ and Gaza Strip enjoy full Israeli citi­ tory problems, sometimes even death, estinian activists. In 1991, at least 27 zenship rights and are spared the indig­ and leading to a number of miscar­ Palestinian activists were killed by nities of military occupation. riages . In addition Israel has violated nonuniformed security personnel, most medical neutrality. Ambulances carry­ while unarmed and engaged in normal Denial of Civil Liberties ing injured persons have been stopped, daily activities. Since January 1992, Palestinians are denied a wide range of rerouted and fired upon. Medical per­ another 24 have been killed. 11 Such civil rights - freedom from death or sonnel have been arrested or prevented actions clearly constitute extra-judicial injury, rights to due process and political from giving care. Patients have been executions which are forbidden under expression, freedom of movement.and removed from hospitals, even from international law. freedom from collective punishment or operating tables, and taken into custody exile. without regard for their medical condi­ Although Israel claims that soldiers tion. follow standard guidelines in the use of Threat to Life. Many deaths and inju­ firearms, in fact "a whole system of ries have occurred as a result of the In 1988 open-fire rules permitted live implicit understandings, winks and nods occupation. According to the Pales­ ammunition to be fired at a person's has developed alongside the system of tinian Human Rights Information legs after a warning had been issued commands. " 12 When a Palestinian has Center, over 1000 Palestinians have only if a soldier was in mortal danger, a been killed by security forces, the army been killed by security forces since the person was engaging in an attack, a typically claims that the shooting was intifada began began.most by gunfire. suspect was escaping, or a masked per- justified. No investigation occurs un-

Middle East Peace Notes 8 July 1992 less a complaint is filed, and then it is Detainees may be prevented from check points are routinely set up conducted by the army rather than by meeting with an attorney for 15 days or throughout the West Bank and Gaza independent investigators. Soldiers are longer if the interrogating official so Strip to regulate the movement. Pales­ often coached on how to present testi­ orders. During the 15-30 days which tinians have been issued identity cards, mony so that the case will be closed. detainees are commonly deprived of the equivalent of internal passports, Witnesses or attending physicians are legal counsel, they are held in isolation which they are required to carry at all seldom interviewed so the soldier's and interrogated. Not surprisingly, a times. A computerized data bank al­ testimony usually is accepted. Even great number sign confessions, most of lows the army to identify Palestinian when the soldier is found guilty of which are written in Hebrew rather than activists. Persons in good standing misconduct, a very light sentence is Arabic; often they do not know what with the military authorities have been imposed - several months in jail or a they are signing. 17 issued magnetic identity cards. Special suspended sentence - or a pardon is "green cards" have been issued to Pal­ granted. With such minor penalties, Torture is routinely practiced by mili­ estinians deemed to be security viola­ soldiers are given the message that the tary authorities to extract confessions. tors. Those holding green cards are government clearly sanctions the use of Interviews conducted with a sample of prevented from working in Israel or lethal force. 13 Palestinian detainees revealed that 85 passing through East Jerusalem, which percent experienced torture or mis­ links the north and south portions of the Arbitrary Arrest, Detention without treatment. 18 According to a study re­ West Bank, thus completely restricting Trial, and Torture. Under military leased in 1991 by B'tselem, an Israeli their movement. 20 occupation all due process rights are human rights organization, prisoners denied. Military orders permit a person are commonly subjected to: verbal In addition, a new system of permits suspected of committing an offense to abuse, sleep and food deprivation, instituted in the wake of the Gulf War be arrested without a warrant, and to be deafening music or noise, "hooding" literally severs the north and the south detained without charge or trial for up with a wet sack or bag, forced standing portions of the West Bank. To pass to 18 days. A military judge may ex­ or confinement in small spaces (the through East Jerusalem, Palestinians tend this to six months; if there is an "closet" or "refrigerator") for prolonged must secure a permit with six govern­ indictment the detainee may be im­ periods, severe beatings on all parts of ment stamps affixed, something which prisoned until after the trial proceedings. the body including the genitals, being can take weeks to obtain and yet may be Since the detainee may be released any bound in painful positions (the "banana valid for only a few days or weeks. time during the initial 18-day period tie") or tied to overhead pipes, and Failure to obtain the proper permit may without explanation, the detention may limited access to toilet facilities. 19 result in a $175 fine and a jail term. be used as harassment or arbitrary im­ Under this system, Palestinians may be prisonment, as when all men in the Restrictions on Movement. The prevented from going to work, visiting village ofBeita were held for five days military authorities rigidly control Pal­ relatives or seeing a physician.21 following an incident with a settler. 14 estinian movement and travel. Military

Administrative detention, a form of punishment without trial, is used when no crime has been committed. Once a person has been arrested, a military judge may issue a renewable six-month detention order. A detainee has the right to appeal, but since the evidence is secret, appeals are seldom successful. Under this policy thousands of Pales­ tinians have been "legally" imprisoned for months or years without ever being charged with a crime. 15 Since the intifada began, an estimated 15,000 -~(.< persons have been held in administra­ tive detention, some as young as 13 The "banana tie" drawing by Dudu Gerstein, Bt'selemllsrael years of age. 16

Middle East Peace Notes 9 July 1992 Expulsions. International law ex­ pressly forbids the forcible transfer or deportation of persons living under oc­ cupation. Nonetheless, Israel has used this as a form of punishment against political activists, expelling an estimated 2000 Palestinianresidents since 1967. 27 Sixty-six Palestinians have -been de­ ported during the intifada, including journalists, university professors, stu­ dent activists, and union organizers.28

According to the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, "The deportation process is characterized by a lack of formal charges and the use of secret information not disclosed to the suspect or his [her] attorney. These procedures Gaza Strip under curfew. !Bing-Canar photo make it extremely difficult for Palestin­ Palestinians also may be deprived of hour curfew for an indefinite period, ians to prepare an effective legal de­ their residency rights if they travel effectively turning homes into prisons. fense against deportation orders."29 abroad. To obtain travel documents,. Familiesmaybeconfinedtotheirhomes Only one appeal to the Israeli Supreme some Palestinians have been required day and night, unable to work, tend Court has resulted in a deportation or­ to sign a statement indicating that they crops or livestock, go to school, or even der being rescinded. will not return before the end of a three- shop for food and medicines except for year period. This, coupled with the fact short periods when the curfew is tem- In a related practice, Israel has pursued that they must surrender their identity porarily lifted·24 During the Gulf War, a policy of expelling nonresident Pal­ cards upon departure, puts their resi- a six-week blanket curfew was im- estinians. Only those Palestinians who dency status at risk.22 posed on the entire West Bank and resided in the West Bank or Gaza Strip Gaza Strip to prevent protests. In addi­ at the time of the Israeli census in 1967 Collective Punishment. International tion, the army may cut electricity, were granted residency rights. Others law prohibits the punishment of a per­ telephone and water service, destroy who had fled the war front or who son for acts that s/he did not commit. Palestinian crops and orchards, raid happened to be living or working out­ However, Is,rael uses a number of col­ homes, and withhold work · or travel side the area were not registered. This lective measures; 'both punitive and permits for an entire community. effectively separated thousands of preventative. Palestinian families. For example, Pal­ Schools and universities have been estinian women raised in Jordan but Palestinian homes may be demolished subjected to closures, forced entry and married to Palestinians living in the or parents imprisoned and fined as pun­ takeover of facilities for military use, occupied West Bank or Gaza Strip are ishment for the activities of their chil­ destruction of property and arrest of denied residency rights, and thereby dren or family members. Since De­ students.25 Universities have been the right to live with their families.30 cember 1987, over 800 homes have closed for almost the entire duration of The International Committee ofthe Red been destroyed or partially sealed (with the intifada. Elementary and secondary Cross estimates that some 200,000 Pal­ cement) for "security reasons", leaving schools in the West Bank were closed estinians have applied for family thousands of persons homeless or in for most of the first two years of the reunification permits since 1967; of crowded living quarters.23 intifada, and have been open only about these only about 19,000 have been ap­ 60 percent of the last two years. 26 Stu­ proved.31 As punishment for hanging Palestinian dents also have been arbitrarily arrested flags, engaging in tax resistance, par­ and detained during their annual ma­ In order to remain with their families, ticipating in street demonstrations or triculation exams so they do not ad­ nonresident Palestinians must secure a stoning settlers' cars, the military au­ vance to the next grade. visitor's permit which is valid for only thorities may place a village under 24- three months. When the permit ex-

Middle East Peace Notes 10 July 1992 pires, they are required to leave the Cameras, film and recording equipment Land and Water country and return only after securing have been confiscated or damaged. Expropriation another permit. If they remain beyond Journalists have been harassed, beaten, International law stipulates that an oc­ the expiration date, they risk being de­ imprisoned without trial and/or de­ cupying power may not confiscate the ported. By the 1980' s many families ported. News agencies have been arbi­ land it occupies for its own use or had become exhausted from leaving trarily closed for months or years at a transfer its own population into the every three months, so many simply time. In 1991, eighteen journalists were occupied territory. In flagrant violation remained "illegally". In 1989, at least arrested and seven press offices were of these principles, Israel has confis­ 250 persons, primarily Palestinian closed, each for a period of two years. 35 cated Palestinian land and turned it women and their children, were rounded over for use by Israeli settlers. Over up, often in the middle of 65% of the West Bank the night, and deported to and50% ofthe Gaza Strip Jordan. 32 Although a rul­ land is directly controlled ing by the Israeli Supreme by Israel. Some 250,000 Court in 1990 gave some Israeli settlers live in the nonresidents permission to areas occupied since stay, others continue to be 1967. 37 BetweenJanuary denied. 33 1990 and July 1991, the Israeli government con­ Political Repression. fiscated 418,642 dunums Under occupation, all ofland (one dunum equals forms of political expres­ one-fourth of an acre), sion and participation are 7.3% of the total land area banned. Political partie~ of the West Bank and and meetings are forbid­ Gaza Strip. In the next den. Persons convicted of three to four years it plans membership in an "illegal" to build housing for organization, or of meet­ 400,000 more Jewish set­ ing in a group of 10 or tlers. 38 more without a permit, are likely to face a lengthy Israel has employed a va­ prison sentence and heavy riety of mechanisms to fines. Similarly, it is ille­ acquire Palestinian land. gal to display political Private land may be symbols such as the "Vt' "closed" for immediate sign, the Palestinian flag, Chicago protest. !Bing-Canar photo military purposes. In 1989 an esti­ national colors, or graffiti. A Palestin­ mated 20% of West Bank land was ian caught committing such acts may Military orders decree that it is illegal "closed" for military use. Israeli au­ be shot, beaten, fined, or imprisoned. 34 for a vendor to bring any newspaper, thorities can classify nonregistered book, or magazine into the West Bank property as "state" land. Since only Political expression is also controlled or Gaza Strip without a permit, which ,, one-third of Palestinian land was regis­ by strict censorship of the press and the must be renewed every three months. tered in 1967, Israel exploited this situ­ banning of publications. Newspapers Hundreds of books and publications, ation by ending further land registra­ published by Palestinians must receive including literature and poetry, have tion, leaving Palestinians without written consent from a military censor been banned on the grounds that they documented proof of_ownership. Mili­ prior to printing any report, article, might incite Palestinian nationalist sen­ tary orders also permit land to be seized photo, or caricature related to security timents. 36 Several years ago as "abandoned" property. An absentee issues, public order or the intifada. Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" was landowner is defined as anyone who Military authorities also have interfered banned because it contained the phrase, left the area before, during or after the with media coverage. Areas have been "To be or not to be .... " 1967 War. Even when an owner has not declared "closed" to journalists during left his/her property, it may be taken for a demonstration or military operation.

Middle East Peace Notes 11 July 1992 settlement use via a third party. Lastly, suffers an annual trade deficit with Is­ power to impose taxes provided that military authorities can compel a prop­ rael of over $650 million.42 As a result, these monies are returned in services. erty owner to surrender land for "public economic growth in the West Bank and While Israel collects an estimated $400 purposes" such as the construction of Gaza Strip is stunted. million in taxes, it returns only $250- settlement roads and parks. 39 280 million in social services, the re­ Palestinians from the Occupied Terri­ mainder going into the Israeli treasury .46 In addition, Israel has systematically tories provide Israel with a pool of Various fees have been imposed, as in monopolized the waterresources found cheap labor. Prior to the Gulf War, an 1988 when motor vehicles were required in the West Bank. In 1990, Israel drew estimated 120,000 Palestinians were to be re-registered and relicensed. The some 500 million cubic meters of water employed in Israel, predominately in fee assessed ranged between $400-6600, from the West Bank aquifer, while low-paying menial jobs. Many work as depending on the vehicle; even donkey Palestinians used one-fifth that amount. "day laborers", without regular em­ cart owners were required to license Israel has dug new deep wells, some­ ployment, and so they must rise at 3 :00- their "vehicles" at a cost of $280.47 times leaving shallower Palestinian 4:00 a.m. to travel across the "Green Other arbitrary tax assessments have wells dry. Palestinians are restricted in Line" into Israel where they may stand been imposed, often in excess ofannual their water use and charged about six profits; in one case a merchant was times more per cubic meter than Israeli assessed $65,000 for a month during users. Consequently, Palestinian agri­ which his store was closed due to a cultural production has dropped. Due community-wide curfew.48 Value­ to water restrictions, farmers in Jericho added taxes have contributed as much were able to plant only 30% of the as $800 million to the Israeli treasury arablelandin 1991. In some areas daily . since 1967. In addition the fees and water consumption has fallen below travel taxes collected for the bridge the 44 liters per capita necessary for crossings between Israel and Jordan minimal health conditions.40 have added about $34 million per year to the Israeli economy.49 Economic Exploitation Military laws serve to make the occu­ Reflections pation profitable for Israel while they The harsh conditions resulting from the keep the Occupied Territories eco­ occupation indicate that the status quo nomically dependent. The Occupied is untenable. Human rights violations Territories provide Israel with a captive for hours in the streets bidding for jobs are taking place on such a scale that the export market, a cheap labor pool, and with Israeli employers.43 Although situation cannot be remedied by simply a source of revenue~ through various Palestinian workers have the same pay­ creating a "kinder and gentler" occupa­ taxes and fees. · roll deductions and taxes taken from tion. Ultimately, the only way to their earnings as their Israeli counter­ guarantee Palestinian human rights is Israel enjoys a captive commercial parts, they do not enjoy the same ben­ by guaranteeing self-determination. market, which prior to the intifada gen­ efits. A report by Sanabel Press Service erated nearly $1 billion in annual export showed that Gazans employed in Israel Clearly, any peace process will be in­ sales to the Occupied Territories. 4 1 were not entitled to pension plans, valid unless it achieves an end to the This is made possible by a system which survivor's or children's allowances, occupation and gives Palestinians simultaneously prevents Palestinians unemployment insurance, health care control over their land and lives. A from exporting their products to Israel coverage, disability insurance, or voca­ peace settlement that results in au­ and limits Palestinian competition with tional training benefits.44 When ben­ tonomy but leaves the occupation in Israeli goods in the Occupied Territo­ efits and earnings are taken together, tact does not address the fundamental ries. In order for new factories or busi­ the average Israeli worker earns be­ problems. Therefore, people who are nesses to be licensed, Palestinian owners tween two and three times more than a genuinely concerned for Palestinian must certify that their products will not Palestinian worker. 45 human rights need to support a peace compete with Israeli producers. Need­ process leading to Palestinian state­ less to say very few new licenses are The Occupied Territories also serve as hood and independence in the West issued, and the Palestinian economy a direct source of revenue for Israel. Bank and Gaza Strip.# International law permits an occupying

Middle East Peace Notes 12 July 1992 Footnotes/Occupation Primer: Shoot-to-Kill Policy", Palestine Human Rights Children during the Uprising in the Occupjed Information Center press statement, May 28 , 1992, Territories: CoHective Punishment - Part II (East 1. The Sinai peninsula was returned to Egypt as a pp.1-4. Jerusalem: Radda Barnen, January 1990), p.; and result of the Camp David Accords. Al-Haq, p.8. 12. Anne E. Nixon, The Status of Palestinian 2. Since East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights are Children during the Uprising in the Occupied 27. Cited in Peretz, p.6. claimed as annexed territory, these areas are Territories: Child Death and Injury - Part I (East governed under Israeli law, though the Palestinians Jerusalem: Radda Barnen, 1990), p.285. 28. Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, living there do not enjoy full Israeli civil rights. For "Israel's Proposed Deportation of 12 Palestinians population figures see: Geoffrey Aronson, "250,000 13. Nixon (Part I), pp.285-91. from the Occupied Territories Violates International Israelis Now Settled in 210 Communities in Lands Law", January 5, 1992, p.1; and Murray, p.46. Captured in 1967 War", Report on Israeli 14. Peretz, pp.63-65. Sett)ements, Winter 1991-92, p.1 29. Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, p.2. 15. B'tselem (1992), pp.80-85. 3. In accordance with international law, the military 30. "Married Women without Identity Cards", government is based on the legal systems that were 16. Palestine Human Rights Information Center Article 74, No. 2, April 1992, pp.1 -2. in force prior to the occupation - Jordanian law (April 1992). applied in the West Bank and Egyptian law was 31. Sanabel, Transfer Policy in Action: The administered in the Gaza Strip. In addition, Israel 17. B'tselem (1992), p. 65; and Al-Haq, p.16. Expu)siop of Non-residents (Jerusalem: Sanabel reimposed the British Defense Emergency Press Service, December 1989), pp.3-4. Regulations which had been in force in Palestine 18. Al-Haq, p.11. during the British mandate period. 32. Sanabel, pp.1 -4; and Article 74 , p.2. However, these local laws have been amended beyond recognition by the 33. Article 74, p.2. hundreds of military orders issued over the past 25 years. 34. Murray, p.20; and Al-Haq, p.18.

4. Don Peretz, Intifada: The Pa)estinian 35. B'tselem (1992), p.122-29; and Al­ ~ (Boulder: Westview Press, Haq, p.18. 1990), p.5. 36. Al-Haq, p.18. 5. Raja Shehadeh, Occupier's Law: Israel and the West Bank (Washington, 37. Aronson, p.1 D.C.: Institute for Palestine Studies, 1985), pp.69-71; and Peretz, pp.15-16. 38. "Israel and the Occupied Territories", The Review: International Commission of 6. Shehadeh (1985), pp.64-68. Jurists, No, 47, December 1991, p.14,19 ..

7. It is difficult to assess the number of 39. The Review: International Commis­ injuries. Many do not seek medical sion of Jurists, p.15-16. treatment at a clinic or hospital since the army often searches these sites and arrests 40. Thomas R. Mattair, "While Diplomats or detains the injured. The United Nations Debate Land for Peace, Palestinians are Relief and Works Agency puts the number Losing their Land and Water", To.e. of injured, through October 1991, at Washington Report on Middle East 65,000; but UNRWA officials only count .Affaill, Vol. X, No.4, p.48. those who seek treatment at its facilities. The Israeli governmi;nt puts the number 41. Peretz Kidron, "Peres Faces Israel's for the same period at 14,500. See B'tselem, Jerusalem /Bing-Canar photo Economic Abyss", Middle East International, No. Violations of Human Rjghts in the Occupied 342, January 20, 1989, p.18. Territories: 1990/1991 (Jerusalem: B'tselem, 19. B 'tselem, The Interrogation of Palestinians 1992), p.23; and Palestine Human Rights during the Intifada: Ill-treatment. "Moderate 42. Frank Collins, "Palestinian Economy in Chaos Information Center, "Human Rights Violations Physical Torture". or Torture? (Jerusalem: after Gulf War", Washington Report on Mjdd)e East Summary Data", April 1992. B'tselem, March 1991), p.106. .Affaill, Vo. X, No.2, July 1991, p.23.

8. Al-Haq, Critique of the Unjted States Depart­ 20. Nancy Murray, Pa)estinians: Life under 43. Murray, p.52. ment of State Country Reports op Human Rights Occupation, (Cambridge: The Middle East Justice l~ Practices for 1991: Israel and the Occupied Network, 1991), p.24. 44. Cited in Nixon (Part II), p.112. Territories. March 11,1992, p.17; and B'tselem, The Use of Firearms by the Security Forces in the 21. Murray, p.24. 45. Joost Hilterman, Behind the Intifad!!, Occupied Territories (Jerusalem: B'tselem, July (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1991), p.23. 1990). pp.22-28. 22. Murray, p.24. 46. Raja Shehadeh, "Occupier's Law and the 9. Al-Haq, p.3. Uprising", Journal of Palestine Studies, Vol. 67, No. 23. Palestine Human Rights Information Center 3, Spring 1988, p.33. 10. "Changes in Orders Regarding Opening Fire (April 1992). and in Guidelines for the Special Units", News from 47. Nixon (Part II), p.115. ~. May 6, 1992, pp.2-3. 24. Murray, p.43. 48. Murray, p.52. 11. Al-Haq, pp.2-3; and Louise Cainkar, "Sum­ 25. B'tselem (1992), p.112. mary Executions of Palestinian Activists: Israel's 49. Shehadeh (1988), p.34. 26. Anne E. Nixon, The Status of Palestinian

Middle East Peace Notes 13 July 1992 Israelis Working for Peace and Justice by Deena Hurwitz* issue-oriented groups such as Yesh Gvul disobedience is not only unpopular, but (an organization of soldiers and reserv­ where the army is "sacred" and serving Israel's peace forces represent the ists who refuse to serve in the Occupied in it is considered the pinnacle of civic nation's contradictions and its strengths. Territories), the Association of the duty. Issues such as land expropriation, While unified in their focus on the Forty and the Ramya Solidarity Com­ human rights violations such as torture, issues ofpeace and the occupation, they mittee (both concerned with the rights prisoners' rights, curfews, school clo­ are not a unified movement. Israel's and needs of "unrecognized" Palestin­ sures, and deportations are concerns of more than forty peace groups can be ian villages in Israel). the progressive peace camp. Many divided into two camps: the left and the warn of the effects of unrestricted U.S. mainstream. The distinction between The mainstream peace camp's agenda aid to Israel, or oppose it outright. them has been characterized as the includes: advocating territorial com­ difference between a movement based promise, although not necessarily the Both camps agree on the need to end on principle and one on self-interest. creation of an independent Palestinian settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Those belonging to the left are prima­ state; and supporting the current U.S.- Strip as a serious obstacle to peace and rily concerned with Palestinian human the need for Israel to withdraw from all and national rights. Those comprising or part of the Occupied Territories as a the mainstream peace camp are moti­ condition for peace. vated by their concern for the disinte­ gration of democracy in Israel, and by Crossing the "red line" their nation's image abroad. In Israel, where security is the domi­ nant concern and fear the dominant The mainstream, liberal camp consists emotion, protest in times of crisis is primarily of the Zionist political parties, taboo. Needless to say, the nation seems including Ratz (the Citizens Rights always to beina period of crisis. Those Movement), Mapam (the old socialist who actively begin to take responsibility left) andShinui (the center party) which for the occupation, for the abuse and have formed an alliance for the June misuse of power, inevitably confront elections. Also included in this camp Peace Now logo. the contradictions within Israeli society. are some Labor party doves and Peace Some become increasingly aware and Now, the non-parliamentary movement led peace process. Being essentially protest within the system, others go best known in the U:S. reformist in nature, they actively par­ beyond protest to challenge and con­ ticipate in the electoral and parliamen­ front the structures and institutions that Comprising the left orprogressi ve peace tary process. Moreover, they reject the butress the system of injustice. This camp are a number of grassroots concept of selective refusal, refusing to border between protest and confronta­ women'sgroupssuchasthe Women and engage in offensive or repressive army tion can be seen as a red line -- a Peace Coalition and the Women's Or­ duty, preferring to be an internal mod­ personal boundary beyond which one ganization/or Political Prisoners; hu­ erating influence on the army. is unwilling to transgress; or conversely, man rights groups including Kav the point which moves one to action. La' Oved-Workers Hotline, and the The left clearly demands an endto the Association of Israeli and Palestinian occupation, the establishment of an in­ The recent $10 billion U.S. loan guar­ Physicians for Human Rights; other dependent Palestinian state alongside antee debate highlighted at least one of Israel, and negotiations with the PLO, the dilemmas of the present Israeli as the representative of the Palestinian government: which is more important *Deena Hurwitzis the editorofWalkin2 the people. Selective refusal is an act of Red Line. Israelis in Search of Justice for -- immigration or settlements? Shamir Palestine. She works for the Resource civil disobedience which members of has made a choice for a "greater Israel" Center for Nonviolence in Santa Cruz, and this camp commonly engages in. This at the expense of the quality of life for is a member of AFSC's Pacific Region is significant in a country where civil new immigrants (among others). Middle East Subcommittee. Middle East Peace Notes 14 July 1992 --

.x .. •.•.· ·······•··· > The Gulf crisis and massive Soviet >><>·J)<< A v.1s,t ti s11win < )····················· immigration have increased economic 6y A11~11 S9i~rh8bci~f and social pressures, encouraging rac­ ism. Palestinians - whether from the 1 Occupied Territories or Israel - have it~l\~~if!~lt~iiiill"\\tl,1: 11111,1111,11 lost their jobs to the new immigrants. Signs in shop windows advertising "no :~gf~gi%i&~~~itatf~tJig~iil~~ m~fu~rt~d~f~~~l~1tht;~~f~i~ 1 Arabs employed here" have been a fa­ miliar sight, particularly in the aftermath of the Gulf crisis. Palestinian Israeli writer Emil Habibi' s award of the prestigious Israel Prize for Literature caused great controversy. While Habibi declared it a victory for Palestinian arts and culture that a right-wing Israeli government should grant him the award, the ceremony was widely protested. Inside the hall, Yuval Ne'eman, right­ wing Tehiya Party leader and recipient of the Israel prize for Physics in 1969, r:§J1Wf1%i1jJt1tli11i~it a~. qipJg~trt¢rn~t!9P~'i6i11jiill~I&iil nPW.n1Yh!1¥/ PY(!B nA/~yitW Ah~ ir disrupted the event by standing up and l§r4¢lf92&~mrn~nt w~§n2twWins.t2te,in iqm~§~W~t~<1r~1g§tifli~t:i1 x announcing thathe would give back his 2 prize in protest. < ;.9tlf~~iffittw1~;<~rii1:jifi:ri1~~ ~~,P~*' r.~p!ij $Jie]e!~rg { Recently, Knesset Member Abdel W ahab Darwashe of the Arab Demo­ ••·• .·· wry0W.qrk:$d c# §yf hote.L \•fflij ~8pJJi9~q •• ttjJt tj~ ~~s (Jq~tj(~Jq 98 i cratic Party tried to establish an all­ Arab parliamentary list. Some view .•... ··· ~~~d.t~i~f~fd~t§t~lt!.• t~~~e,11~~1.'~~i.~:er~~~~fi}llWt ••••••••••• this as a positive political separatism; Just Orie~ aW~~k, < ·· ·· ·· ·· · · ·· · · · ···· · · · · · · ···· ··· others see it encouraging racist tenden­ cies in Israel. Some on the left are ~~1pyiti&ihi~ iQJr~x~iir ;Jr~~~ iJ~ i!~~o!Bi;t;~i\J~,~ t~PIJ~)~ concerned that such a move would re­ sult in a backlash against Arabs in general and in particular, against the movment for an independent Palestin­ ian state and peaceful coexistence. Anti­ illl\iilf 1111111111JI Arab racism within Israel is closely llltlf illlf related to the struggle for coexistence i :t::t:~;~t~Wr a¢!ifq~:?.l~e~fufffi]i;il~i~!!~itft~r.Jrlrt~ii~ ) and demands attention from those (•·•·pip~s.; ••. ttJe a.q~ed¢~•¢tWfiiGH ~UQW~c:I heaw •·raihs td ¢as¢a.d${1QWh •·•/. concerned for peace. )he hl!I qhfo tb~fo $rojfitiqm@U> \...... · .. ·.. ·...... Of increasing concern is the issue of U.S. aid and its impact on the general economy as well as Israel's ability to maintain the occupation. Progressives such as former Knesset member Gen­ eral Matti Peled argue that a decrease in aid would have a healthy impact on the political situation; iflsraelis had to pay for the occupation from their own ···············:·· ~:•;tl.··~;lo·~~n.oi ••{yof J •• i•h.th~ ··· ~~n····~ri·~~ii;o .• ~Fi6···offic~·'. .. ······ . pockets, they would not support it. Middle East Peace Notes 15 July 1992 from page 15 ... Consistent with its pro-U.S. position, Greater pressure should be placed on Meanwhile, the peace camp continues the mainstream camp supports contin­ the U.S., and in turn on Israel. As its work on a variety of issues. Efforts ued aid. Still, it is significant that Challenge, a magazine of the Israeli range from working to gain liberal seats Peace Now has maintained such a Left, editorialized: in the new Knesset, to solidarity visits vocal opposition to the settlements, ". .. if there is a glimmer of hope in the and symbolic tree-plantings in the East putting them on a collision course with gloomy picture, it was that a U.S. ad­ Jerusalem village of Sil wan where Pal­ the U.S. loan guarantee proposal. ministration for the first time made estinians have been dispossessed by financial assistance conditional upon a Jewish settlers. Other activities range A poll conducted in February by the settlement freeze. [in reference to the from meeting the wives of Palestinians Tel Aviv-based International Center for loan guarantee, ed.] slated for deportation and issuing a call Peace in the Middle East found that for the government to revoke the or­ 82% of Jewish Israelis favored con­ "But in order to force Israel to comply ders, to appealing to the Israeli Su­ tinuing the peace process; 61 % would with the U.N resolutions, much more preme Court to lift a lengthy night support a peace agreement involving pressure is needed. At best, the current curfew in Ramallah. Some activists withdrawalfrommostoftheWestBank U.S. conditions would result in the have confronted the taboo subject of and Gaza Strip, accompanied by secu­ freezing of the current situation, which torture by publishing a report on torture rity arrangements; and of these, 40% is already unacceptable. As it stands in Israeli prisons, while others have affirmed that Palestinian autonomy is today, the U.S. position on the Arab­ brought warm blankets to political an indispensable stage to a permanent Israeli conflict lacks the necessary ele­ prisoners. Soldiers continue to refuse solution. ments to bring about a breakthrough. military service in the Occupied Terri­ tories, activists continue to support Yet interest in and hope for the current. "Since the Gulfwar, U.S.foreign policy Arab-Israeli villages of Ramya and peace process is ever-diminishing. The has sought to use sheer force. In the Arayan, and legal experts continue to peace forces do not waste their time supposed U.S. dominated 'world or­ opposethecontinuedlandconfiscation attempting to influence the der,' there is no room for Palestinian and expansion of Israeli settlements - government's handling of the peace self-detennination. On this issue Bush, all with the hope for a peaceful future.# process. On the one hand, the negotia­ Shamir and Rabin see eye to eye. As tions have been sidelined by the elec­ long as the Israeli electorate and the tions in Israel and in the U.S. On the U.S. administration resist a fundamen­ other hand, many activists on the left tal change, we shall see no end to this have little faith in a process which holds painful conflict, with its high price of out autonomy as its end point. human suffering. "(Challenge, Vol. III, No. 2, p. 3)

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