Israel’s evacuation of Gaza and the dismantling of the Jewish settlements there are important steps toward a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine. However, Israel must also withdraw from the West Bank and enable the Palestinians to establish their state in those two areas.

The 38-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and people (currently about 3.5 million) has been oppressive and unjust. It denies the Palestinians national independence and basic human rights. During the occupation Israeli troops killed thousands of Palestinians, demolished thousands of Palestinian homes, uprooted tens of thousands of olive trees, and confiscated much Palestinian land. On that land Israel established numerous Jewish settlements in clear violation of international law. Substantial military and economic aid by the US has helped Israel to carry out those unjust policies.

As an Israeli citizen, it is my firm belief that the occupation of the Palestinian territories has been detrimental not only to the Palestinians but also to Israel. It has strengthened fanaticism and intolerance. The building of Jewish settlements and the need to defend them have cost billions of dollars. This money could have been invested in Israel proper, where close to one-quarter of the population lives below poverty level. Worst of all, the occupation has stimulated Palestinian terrorism, which in the last five years has killed hundreds of Israeli civilians, and made Israel less secure.

Ending Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, are key to terminating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Obviously, the Palestinians need to cease all violent attacks against Israel; and once Israel ends its occupation, I believe Palestinian terrorism will subside drastically and probably cease. The international community, the United States in particular, must make sure that the process, which began with the Gaza pullout is brought to a peaceful conclusion.

Alexander Grab

Old Town