October 30, 2004

Gaza first, Gaza last?

Letter to The Independent

Sir: It is difficult to share the optimism expressed on the pages of The Independent. with regard to Sharon's plans for 'disengagement' from Gaza.

Since Israel will have control over the land, air and sea of Gaza, this so-called withdrawal will have succeeded in officially turning Gaza into the biggest prison camp in the world. This is simply the latest Israeli ploy to delay a final solution while taking as much land as possible. Israel is continuing to expand its settlement activities in the West Bank as well as building its illegal wall; as Sharon says, he aims to 'strengthen Israel's grip over the land that is crucial to our existence'.

Delaying a solution indefinitely will not result in peace for either people. Putting the Palestinians inside walls from within which they cannot get out will not make them vanish, it will simply mean both people will lose. The Palestinians are the biggest losers physically and economically, but the Israelis have lost the moral high ground. It is impossible to have any respect for a society which calls itself democratic, yet persists in treating the Palestinians as sub-humans.

DINA TURNER
London NW3

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