Absence of political solution is reason behind ‘current Palestinian Intifada’ — activists

AMMAN — The absence of a political approach for Palestinians, especially young people, to resolve their issues is the main reason behind the current “Intifada”, an activist said Sunday.

The young generation, who did not witness the First Intifada in 1987, and was born after the Second Intifada in 2000, is seeking a serious solution after 22 years of “useless negotiations” since the Oslo I Accord, Ablah Abu Olbeh said during a meeting organised by the Sisterhood is Global Institute/Jordan (SIGI/J) to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian people are pressuring their leadership to change its strategy... with Israel, based on negotiations that do not serve their issue,” she added.

During the meeting, attended by representatives of women’s movements and civil society institutions, the activist said Palestinians are also calling for the end of political divisions among their leaders, considering this to be the first step in facing continuous Israeli attacks.

“Due to a lack of unified political leadership, this Intifada has not yet acquired a political aim except the end of occupation,” she stated, adding that there should be a planned programme for unification.

Nadia Abu Nahleh, an activist from Gaza, participated in the gathering by telephone and noted that the uprising has extended to Gaza.

“The time has come for Palestinians to end the occupation and establish their independent state,” she said, adding that women are an essential part of this uprising against the occupation’s daily executions and house demolitions.

Sama Aweidah, an activist from Jerusalem, also telephoned the gathering from Beirut and expressed the pride of women’s movements in the young generation, despite Israeli attempts to deter their attention from their national cause.

Jumana Meri, a Lebanese activist and head of the Beirut office of the Arab Institute for Human Rights, said by telephone that despite the fact that the region is witnessing several wars and conflicts, the Palestinian issue is still its main concern.