Palestinian response(s) to Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

"The armed struggle is sowing and the political struggle is reaping ... he who does not sow does not harvest."

-- Hani Al-Hasan, Fatah Central Committee quoted in al-Hayat al-Jadida, August 22, 2005.

You have to hand it to the Arabs ... they speak with one voice:

"Secretary of Fatah in the Jenin district, Ata Abu Irmilah … is of the opinion that the departure of the occupier is a day of great victory, which was achieved by the Palestinian resistance and, in its lead, Fatah and Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 13, 2005]

"This is a day for the people, so it can celebrate in honor of the sacrifice of the shahids [martyrs for Allah]. The Israeli withdrawal was not an act of charity but is the fruit of the strong stance of our people over the years…" [Muhammad Dahlan, PA Minister for Civil Affairs, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 13, 2005]

"Israel cannot withstand the brave Palestinian resistance… This is the beginning of the liberation, which was achieved by all factions of the brave Palestinian resistance." [Farouk Al-Qadoumi, Secretary of Fatah, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 22, 2005]

"Dr. Muhammad Al-Hindi, a senior figure in Islamic Jihad, stressed … that his movement sees in the retreat from Gaza a victory for the resistance, [and] a victory for the men of the resistance" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, August 13, 2005]

"To the brothers, the Jihad Fighters of Al-Qassam Brigades [terrorist wing of Hamas], May Allah bless your jihad, your blood, you sweat, your guardianship, and your suffering. Without this jihad and steadfastness, Gaza wouldn't have been liberated.

"To the brothers in the [other] resistance organizations, I congratulate you on this victory, and on the liberation of the Gaza Strip from the foulness of Zionists. I bear witness that this victory was made with your resistance [i.e. terror] and partnership with us, with our cooperation and coordination together and joint operations..."
[Muhammad Daif, Commander of Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas website, August 27, 2005]

PMW: PA Political Conclusions to the Israeli Withdrawal by Itamar Marcus and Barbara Crook

Well, they almost speak with one voice. Thanassis Cambanis of the Boston Globe managed to find a dissenter, who just happens to be the father of Mohammed al-Dura. Cambanis uses al-Dura to exemplify Palestinians who "believe Gaza has reaped few results from decades of war and militia leadership," but does admit these constitute "a minority."

Read all about it in today's International Herald Tribune.

Comments

[Yael]

Great minds. Both Rick Richman and Banagor today refer us to the article linked above - "Myth, Fact, and the al-Dura Affair" by Nidra Poller in this month's Commentary. Must be one of those days where everyone's on the same wavelength.