If Palestinians desired peace and prosperity, they would have achieved it by now.
Engaging Paraphrase: The Illusion of Prosperity for Palestinians
In 2005, a historic event took place in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Arabs were granted autonomy over the region for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their history. However, this autonomy came at a cost – thousands of Israelis were forcibly removed from their homes to make it happen. The reason behind this drastic measure was the fear that without military protection, these Jews would fall victim to violence at the hands of Palestinians who wanted their land to be free of Jews.
As the Jews were being evicted, they faced a difficult decision. Some of them started dismantling the farms and hothouses they had built over the years, reluctant to give up their hard work. It’s worth noting that at that time, 3,500 Arabs were employed by these Israelis. If the Palestinians truly desired coexistence and prosperity, they would have asked these knowledgeable Gazan Jews to stay and contribute to the development of the region.
However, in the name of “peace,” American Jewish donors purchased the remaining 3,000 greenhouses covering over 1,000 acres for $14 million and generously handed them over to the Palestinian Authority. These donations were intended to support Palestinian farmers with crucial equipment like computerized irrigation systems and modern farming techniques.
Unfortunately, as soon as the Jews left, mobs of Palestinians descended upon the greenhouses, vandalizing and looting everything in sight. This happened even before Hamas came to power and before any blockades were imposed.
The Elusive Quest for Prosperity
By 2007, the unity government between the PLO and Hamas had collapsed, and there has not been a genuine election in the West Bank since. The truth is that Hamas, despite its extremist ideology, has become a more effective representative of the Palestinian people than the supposedly moderate Fatah party, which receives billions of dollars in support.
These realities came to mind while reading Senator Rand Paul’s idealistic piece in The Federalist. Paul argues that peace between Israel and the Palestinians hinges on the promise of prosperity for the latter. He emphasizes the need to convey a message of hope to non-Hamas Palestinians, urging them to renounce violence and choose a government that recognizes Israel.
However, the idea of prosperity has been repeatedly presented to Palestinians since the early 20th century. Many Arabs migrated to British Palestine from neighboring countries, enticed by the promise of prosperity brought by Jewish immigrants. Yet, fueled by propaganda and lies from their leaders, they chose a path of violence and rejection. Even when offered statehood in 1948, they rejected it and sought to destroy the Jewish presence in the region.
Paul’s belief that Palestinians yearn for prosperity is reminiscent of the neoconservative notion that the Islamic world craves Western-style democracy. While there are undoubtedly innocent civilians who desire peace and safety, the prevailing mindset among Palestinians is different. If they truly desired prosperity, they would have built a thriving nation long ago.
Palestinian statehood has been offered multiple times throughout history, but no Palestinian leader can agree to a deal without facing the risk of being deposed or killed. The Palestinians’ self-destructive attachment to the “right of return” and Islamist fundamentalism makes peace nearly impossible.
So, what has hindered the Arabs of Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, or Egypt from achieving prosperity? There are numerous stateless minorities worldwide, but only a few resort to violence. Many thrive and succeed. Before the partition, both Jews and Arabs lived in similarly desolate areas, but since then, Israel’s GDP per capita has risen to match that of developed nations like South Korea, Spain, and France. Jordan, on the other hand, lags behind countries like El Salvador. Is this also the fault of Zionists?
Israel, like any nation, is not without its flaws. However, the notion that it obstructs Arab success out of bigotry or colonialist intentions is a paranoid conspiracy perpetuated by Middle Eastern leaders and Western intellectuals. In reality, Israel desires nothing more than a peaceful neighbor.
Every restriction imposed by Israel on Gaza has been a response to violence initiated by Gazans. When concrete is sent to Gaza, it is not used to build infrastructure but rather tunnels and military bases. When shipments of necessities are allowed, explosives and weapons are smuggled in from Iran. Despite receiving substantial aid, Gazans have failed to build the basic infrastructure required for a modern society.
Perhaps the only way to bring hope and prosperity to the Palestinians is to strengthen the occupation of Gaza and establish essential civic institutions. If Hamas does not truly represent the Palestinian people, then liberating them from this violent cult would be a noble act. However, such a move would undoubtedly face condemnation from the international community and put Israeli citizens’ lives at risk.
Instead, Israel is expected to create an independent state for a people who have shown an inability to coexist peacefully with Jews or anyone else. A Palestinian nation would become a breeding ground for deadlier missiles and potentially even nuclear weapons from Iran. Moreover, accepting an independent Palestinian state would be suicidal for Israel. Few nations are granted statehood, and a mere leaflet cannot change the complex dynamics at play.
What is the significance of the Palestinians’ decision to vandalize and loot the greenhouses left behind by Jewish farmers in Gaza? How does it reflect their mindset towards economic development?
Ch or even surpass that of many developed countries, while the Palestinians continue to struggle.
The answer lies in the choices made by both the Palestinian leadership and the people themselves. Rather than focusing on building a thriving nation and pursuing economic growth, the Palestinians have repeatedly prioritized violence and the destruction of Israel. This mentality has prevented them from embracing opportunities for prosperity that have been presented to them.
One significant example of this is the greenhouses left behind by the Jewish farmers in Gaza. These greenhouses were purchased by American Jewish donors with the intention of supporting Palestinian farmers and promoting economic development. However, instead of utilizing this valuable resource, the Palestinians chose to vandalize and loot the greenhouses. This action demonstrated a lack of interest in fostering prosperity and instead highlighted a destructive mindset.
Furthermore, the Palestinian leadership has consistently shown an unwillingness to negotiate and make necessary compromises for the sake of peace. The rejection of statehood offers and the insistence on the “right of return” only serve to perpetuate conflict and hinder any prospects for economic growth. The leaders’ attachment to Islamist fundamentalism also contributes to the ongoing cycle of violence and instability.
It is important to differentiate between the desire for peace and prosperity among ordinary Palestinians and the prevailing mindset among the population as a whole. While there are undoubtedly Palestinians who long for peace and a better future, the actions of the leadership and the majority demonstrate a different reality. This reality is one in which violence is glorified and the destruction of Israel is prioritized over the well-being of their own people.
In conclusion, the illusion of prosperity for Palestinians is a result of their own choices and the actions of their leadership. The focus on violence and the rejection of opportunities for economic growth have hindered the development of a thriving nation. If the Palestinians truly desire prosperity, they must shift their mindset, embrace peace, and prioritize the well-being of their own people over misguided ideologies. Only then can they break free from the cycle of violence and finally achieve the prosperity they claim to seek.
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