clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

The Palestinian National Policy Agenda is mired in dependency

February 23, 2017 at 10:53 am

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah speaks during the launching ceremony of the national policy agenda, in Ramallah, West Bank , on 22 February 2017 [Prime Minister Office/Apaimages]

According to Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, the Palestinian National Policy Agenda (NPA) for 2017 – 2022 is an endeavour that “puts the Palestinian citizen first”. The program, which was launched in Ramallah yesterday, served as another public relations opportunity in which UN and EU representatives were present, for yet another façade depicting the illusion of progress while barely concealing the festering frustration of Palestinians.

During the launch, Hamdallah declared the NPA as the means through which to “provide basic quality services to all our peoples, regardless of where they live, and to strengthen the steadfastness, particularly in Area C [of the West Bank], East Jerusalem, the capital of the independent State of Palestine, and in the Gaza Strip.”

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov described the document as “an ambitious policy agenda for Palestine that articulates a strong, clear vision for the Palestinian people.”

The purported ambitious agenda is not without caveats, however. Implementation of the project is highly dependent upon Israeli concessions. In the current circumstances, given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fixation upon further colonial expansion, such desired acceptance is even more unlikely to occur.

Hamdallah’s expectations are clearly resting on Israel, highlighting the absence of independence inherent in the colonial framework enforced by Israel. Wafa news agency reports Hamdallah stating: “If Israel allows the Palestinians to benefit from Area C” investment for Palestinians would render a profit of $3.5 billion a year.

The NPA was also discussed within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – a generalised initiative by the international institution that fails to cater for specific situations, particularly the dependency cycle between colonialism and collaborators.

As things stand, there is little that can be achieved to foster independence, primarily because of the perpetual acquiescence characterising the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian leaders. Strengthening institutions, improving governance and developing a sustainable economy as proposed in the NPA, relates to UNSD Goal 16 which promotes “peaceful and just societies” without even taking into consideration how Israeli colonialism altered the historical and current context of Palestine.

It is far more likely that Hamdallah’s vision for the next five years will gradually dissolve into far greater preoccupations for Palestinians. Neither the PA nor the UN has exhibited a will to at least embark upon a coherent and authentic narrative when it comes to Palestinian rights. The trend is to eliminate the colonial context and put Palestinians on a par with other nations for diplomatic convenience. This tactic ensures that Israeli violations are bequeathed with further impunity, while the PA is free to continue its duplicitous role as representative and oppressor of the Palestinian population.

A more pertinent approach would require an acknowledgement of the particular ramifications faced by Palestinians. The trend is to lament the gradual loss of territory and depletion of rights as irreversible, which encourages Israel to impose further violations and restrictions through colonial expansion. Israel revels in such an attitude as it automatically exudes permanent impunity for its actions. Meanwhile, the next five years will probably consolidate this shameful approach, until Palestinians are relegated to mere academic study.

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