The Impact of Annexation on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Introduction
Recent developments have reignited discussions about the annexation of territories by Israel. With the West Bank and Gaza Strip under Israeli control, the fate of the Palestinian population living in these areas is of utmost concern. This article explores the potential ramifications for the Palestinians if Israel were to completely annex these territories, highlighting both the immediate and long-term effects on their lives.
Impact on Daily Life
Annexation would fundamentally transform the daily lives of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The annexation would mean an increase in Israeli settlement expansion, leading to more ghettos for Palestinians, further challenging their integration into the Israeli society and economy. This would result in more checkpoints and reduced mobility, constraining their freedom of movement and access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The annexation would also exacerbate the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, leading to more arrests and imprisonments. Palestinians would face increased economic hardships due to land and resource theft, leading to ongoing famines and loss of homes. The destruction of infrastructure and cultural sites would further dissect the Palestinian community, erasing their historical and cultural heritage.
Human Rights and Identity
The ultimate goal of annexation, as some Zionists argue, is the elimination of the Palestinian presence in these territories. This vision, which calls for the removal of all Palestinians and their integration into the Israeli state, is a form of ethnic cleansing. This perspective is supported by numerous individuals and groups, including some on platforms like Quora, who question the very existence of Palestine and its people.
The annexation would render the Palestinian territories and their inhabitants stateless, as the land is already considered under Israeli jurisdiction. Those Palestinians living in the area would be subject to Israeli law, and their identity and rights would be severely curtailed. This scenario is not unique to Israel; all MENA nations are increasingly determined to end illegal colonial practices, as what was taken by force must be returned by force.
Historical Context and Responses
Judea and Samaria, often referred to as the West Bank, have always been considered part of Israel by the Israeli government, despite Jordan's stewardship during the period of the West Bank's occupation. Gazans, on the other hand, were ceded to Israel in exchange for Sinai's return to Egypt. The Palestinian Authority's failure to extend the Oslo accords led to the West Bank becoming Israeli land. As such, Palestinians in these areas do not have any claim to Israeli citizenship.
While there have been instances of goodwill measures from Israel, such as prisoner releases or ceasefires, these gestures are often misconstrued by neighboring Arab nations as signs of weakness. In response, these nations frequently attack Israel, leading to further casualties and tensions. This pattern has been evident in conflicts such as the West Bank Intifadas and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Conclusion
The annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the Palestinian population. It would not only violate their human rights but also erase their cultural and historical identity. The international community and all MENA nations must actively work towards addressing these issues through diplomatic and legal means, ensuring that these territories are returned to their rightful owners and demanding an end to illegal colonial practices.