Israel & the Palestinians

The new Palestinian parliament, with 72 out of 132 seats provided by Hamas, was sworn in last weekend.

The U.S. continues threatening to freeze funding to the Palestinians, and Israel has halted the transfer of customs and tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority.

How is it that the Arabs are criticised for their lack of democracy, and still criticised when they elect their own leaders in a democratic election?

Israel reiterated that they will not negotiate with the new Palestinian government until Hamas "recognizes Israel and renounces violence."

As usual, the responsibility is placed squarely on the Palestinians, whose economy and every movement is controlled by Israel.

It is high time that Israel also renounced violence, and recognized the needs of the Palestinians for self-determination and their own state.