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| Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08JERUSALEM1786 | 2008-09-24 11:08:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Consulate Jerusalem |
Cable title:
JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (9/24): PALESTINIANS SEE
how-to|
1. In its main editorial, Al-Quds independent argues under the title, "The Series of 'Accidents' in Jerusalem" (09/24): "The day before yesterday, news reported an accident in West Jerusalem where a Palestinian Jerusalemite ran over a number of pedestrians on one of the city's sidewalks. The accident resulted in the injury of a number of Israelis and the killing of the Palestinian who was shot dead by a passerby. With his death, the secret of what caused the accident also died. Only the Israeli version, claiming that it was "a terrorist attack," over the objections of the driver's family who say it was a traffic accident and nothing more, remains... violence against innocent civilians is denounced everywhere, but inciting people against [East] Jerusalemites and mobilizing a media campaign against them as if they were fifth class citizens by implying that 'violence by Jerusalemites' is on the rise, will only make the situation worse. Jerusalem is witnessing a calm period, calmer than ever before despite Israeli measures such as the siege, the expensive taxes and the rare issuance of building permits, the campaigns to demolish Palestinian homes... This series of accidents labeled by the Israelis as terrorist attacks before a proper investigation can be concluded, must come to an end... These claims should not be used to increase emotional tensions. There are already many sensitivities and a lot of distrust between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy City." 2. Columnist Basem Abu Sumaya opines in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida official under the title "Dissolving the Authority..!!" (09/24): "Waving around the threat of dissolving the [Palestinian] Authority if an agreement with Israel is not reached, has been the topic of daily conversation since Oslo or even Madrid. In reality, it is nothing more than a melo-dramatic threat that the international community makes against Israel or is used as a way to pressure progress towards concluding a peace agreement. A decision like that would need an Authority with super-powers and supernatural boldness and a strategic alternative plan... Resorting to such a plan would put an end to the American-supported peace process and return the day-to-day rule of the West Bank to Israel... all the Authority can do in its current state, is get used to the finger-biting game and controlling tempers and preparing for a strategic alternative plan in case negotiations fail." MARCHESE |