Reaping the consequences of unrivalled impunity

Following the Israeli settler atrocity involving the burning of 18-month-old Ali Saad Dawabsha the PA is once again indulging in its favourite past times – resorting to international organisations, pondering the possibility of halting security coordination with Israel and seeking “international protection” for Palestinians – the latter aided by Jordan.

Most initiatives publicised in the aftermath of the brutal murder have failed to address the violence as an integral component of premeditated Zionist state terror which follows the warped logic upon which Israel was founded. EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini’s statement last Friday was a recapitulation of previous assertions, calling for “full accountability, effective law enforcement and zero tolerance for settler violence.” Mogherini also availed herself of the opportunity to advocate for “the urgent need for a political solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki declared his meeting with ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda as “the most productive”, once again portraying how the PA utilises the occurrence of crimes to further an ulterior agenda. The crime was reported to the ICC, along with other crimes committed by Zionist settlers, relegating the murder to nothing more than an opportunity to file another complaint at an institution that is highly unlikely to deliver justice. Indeed, in a speech in Malta a few months ago, Al-Maliki had already declared the acceptance of “partial justice” as regards the ICC.

Meanwhile, the PA and Jordan will be resorting to the UN Security Council, following meetings between PLO Secretary-General Saeb Erekat and Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Joudeh. The intention is to draft yet another resolution demanding “international protection for the Palestinian people and an end to the Israeli occupation.”

Quoted in the Times of Israel, Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmad stated: “We will turn to the Security Council requesting to place the Zionist gangs on the terror list and define them as terrorist organisations that must be confronted by the international community.”

Palestinian leaders have long fragmented Palestine to suit the two-state conjecture and appease the international community, as well as safeguard their hierarchy. The result is apparent in decades of negotiations which have relinquished chunks of territory to Israel, at the expense of annihilating the remnants of Palestinian territory.

The PA is now attempting a process of fragmentation as regards Israel and its crimes – in this case dissociating the Zionist state from crimes committed by its Zionist settlers. The intention, as well as its outcome, will be well applauded by both Israel and the international community, since once again settler-colonialism will be absolved from its role in creating the horrific abuse and murder of Palestinian civilians. Attempts at condemnations by the international community will directly shield Israel from accusations of complicity, or of settlers implementing the policy upon which the Zionist state was founded.

Both the PA, as well as the international community, could have discussed settler-colonialism and its ramifications. Instead, both entities have once again resorted to the safety net of “the occupation” – thus ensuring that any outcome from this heinous crime will eventually contribute to further discussions regarding the two-state compromise – another euphemism for completing Israel’s colonial process.

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