PLO Elections

Topic: Israel/Palestine

With Arafat gone the potential for peace between Palestine and Israel is enormous. Many are holding their breath as various Palestinian factions become involved in the forthcoming PLO elections. Even militant organizations have tossed their hats in the ring.

Two weeks ago:

Sheikh Hassan Yusef, head of the Hamas political bureau in Ramallah said Monday that Hamas is willing to declare a 10 year hudna, or ceasefire.

In an interview with Israel Radio, the senior Hamas leader said that the Islamic movement would consider committing to a ceasefire in order to ultimately join a national unity government with the Palestinian leadership, as Hamas is interested in playing an active role in the new Palestinian government and participating in national decisions.

Sheikh Yusef: Hamas ready for 'hudna'... Jerusalem Post

Fast forward to yesterday:

Five Israel Defense Forces soldiers from the Beduin Desert Reconnaissance Battalion were killed and six more wounded when a tunnel filled with explosives blew up underneath the side of an IDF post near the Rafah terminal in the southern Gaza Strip early Sunday evening.
...
Hamas and Fatah claimed responsibility for the attack, in honor of "the martyr Yasser Arafat, who was slain by the Zionist hand," claiming that it took four months to dig an 800 meter-long tunnel from Rafah to the crossing and that one and a half tons of explosives were placed in barrels inside the tunnel for the blast.

Five soldiers killed in Gaza attack... Jerusalem Post

When I read this article, I just shook my head. This attack should have come as no surprise because organizations like Hamas have no interest in a Palestinian nation, or peace with Israel. They want one thing, the complete and utter destruction of the nation of Israel. I can't help but feel disgusted. There is absolutely nothing Israel can do that would make these people happy. During the Camp David Accords Yassar Arafat was offered nearly everything he had been asking for and yet he walked away from the talks without a word. No reasons, no counter-offer, he just walked away. Arafat's death is the best hope for peace in a long time, and despite the recent violence Israel is holding firm to its decision to withdraw during elections, a decision I admire.

Israeli troops will withdraw from Palestinian cities and towns for 72 hours during next month's Palestinian presidential election, the defense minister Shaul Mofaz said Monday.

Israel has said in the past it will do its utmost to allow the election for Palestinian Authority president to go smoothly. Monday's comments by Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz marked the first time Israel provided details on troop deployment during the vote.

IDF to withdraw for PA election... Jerusalem Post

With the pending elections some moderate voices have emerged in Palestine. It is my hope that even if a moderate isn't elected, these factions will continue to grow and their voices will continue to be heard by the Palestinian people. I am just wary of allowing my hopes to get too high.