Outstanding article!
But let us assume that the notion is true, and that Mr. Arafat rejected the offer of a viable Palestinian state. If viable Palestinian statehood is a right of the Palestinian people, based on UN Resolutions 242 and 338, Mr. Arafat's rejection of Mr. Barak's proposals, however ill-advised or even malevolent, does not cause those rights to evaporate. The Israeli notion that a Palestinian rejection of a particular Israeli proposal cancels Palestinian rights to the West Bank and Gaza, rights that were recognized by the international community, has no basis in international law.
Not only does this arrogant, racist attitude by Israel have no basis in international law, it also has no moral basis. The idea that the presence of a corrupt leader such as Arafat invalidates the human rights of the Palestinian people is truly disgusting.
Tom |
