clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

PA's draft resolution provokes criticism from Palestinian factions

December 30, 2014 at 6:06 pm

In what is evidently further proof of acquiescence to imperialist oppression, the US has once again rejected the Palestinian draft resolution proposing Palestinian statehood and an end to the Israeli “occupation”. The diplomatic endeavours which have led to condemnations from Hamas, as well as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), continue to consolidate decades of negotiations and concessions, resulting in the further erosion of Palestinian territory.

According to Ma’an News Agency, US State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke criticised the amended draft, stating that the resolution is not constructive and hinders prospects of a two-state solution.

The PFLP’s Central Committee rejected the draft put forth by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, issuing a statement pointing out the discrepancies within the resolution, notably the division of Jerusalem, the implicit references to Israel’s security concerns, as well as the diluting of existing frameworks that support the Palestinians’ right of return. Osama Al Haj Ahmed from the PFLP Central Committee urged the PLO Executive Committee to insist upon withdrawing the resolution which, “will lead to the erosion of the rights of our people and the character of our struggle.”

Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahhar has expressed opposition to the draft resolution, rejecting it on the basis of its focus on the 1967 borders, which affirms Israel’s self-imposed legitimacy and relinquishes the struggle for the liberation of historic Palestine. Al-Zahhar also rejected the notion of Jerusalem serving as the capital of both states and insisted that Israel’s colonial occupation should date back to 1948.

According to the Times of Israel, Hamas Deputy Chief Moussa Abu Marzouk also harshly criticised the draft resolution, insisting that it “relinquished the rights and principles of the Palestinian people” and called for those involved in the proposed framework to be held accountable. Abu Marzouk claimed that Palestinian factions were shown a different proposal to the one submitted to the UN – a manoeuvre that would further entrench the PA’s willingness to collaborate with countries supporting the imperialist agenda for Palestine and the Middle East.

The recently amended draft resolution has been a source of speculation, particularly as details regarding the text have so far been withheld. Allegedly new provisions include the declaration of East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, prisoner release within a stipulated time frame and an end to settlement expansion in the West Bank – a regurgitation of declarations repeated exhaustively in the past.

As was the case in past diplomatic efforts, Palestinian leaders remain shackled to dictates that limit both Palestinian prospects, as well as access to the international framework manipulating Palestine’s legitimacy. The current discord voiced by both Hamas and the PFLP, however, indicates a renewal of resistance that is of additional significance following the aftermath of Operation Protective Edge and efforts to marginalise the resistance factions. In particular, the resurgence of Hamas’ insistence upon 1948 and the necessity of liberation should once again form the basis of the movement’s struggle, in a manner that establishes commitment to the liberation of historic Palestine as the foundations upon which any formidable reconciliation should be established.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.