 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The “viable” Palestinian state that was being discussed at Oslo was not to be one with international borders. Under the peace process, Israel would have maintained an active role not only in controlling Israeli borders, but any border between the Palestinians and Jordan and Egypt. No Freedom of Movement Preventing Palestinian control of its own borders would prevent freedom of movement for Palestinians crossing in or out of Jordan and Egypt. As long as Israel has any part in border control, it can effectively prevent who goes in or out. Thus, there is no guarantee that a Palestinian who goes abroad for work will be able to return or that the abuse of basic human rights at checkpoints such as Rafah will end. Looking at the development of borders and housing demolition in Rafah on the Egyptian border, gives every indication that Israel will make the situation even more difficult at the border if the Palestinian Authority is given any form of control inside Gaza. The days of refusal of permits and endless hours sitting in the hot sun would not have come to an end even had the Oslo process concluded. Allowing Palestinian control of airspace was not on the agenda either. No Economic Control Without control of borders there would be no starting point for developing an independent Palestinian economy. Currently, what little export business there is from the West Bank and Gaza is often destroyed by the impossibility of taking goods across the borders. Agricultural produce, for example strawberries from the north of Gaza, simply rots at the border waiting to get out. How would a Palestinian government even begin to plan for the future? |
