P.A. Was "Thrilled" With Sharon´s Disengagement Plan

Israel National News ^ | 17:18 May 04, '04 / 13 Iyar 5764

[yonif]

What does the Palestinian Authority really think about Prime Minister Sharon's plan to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza? Arutz-7 has reported in the name of National Union MK Tzvi Hendel that Arab MKs are happy with the prospect of Israel's abandonment of Gaza. Now, Itamar Marcus of the Palestinian Media Watch organization proves that the PA in general is "thrilled," using direct quotes from PA sources.

Marcus writes, "All Palestinian Authority elements are united in seeing the evacuation plan as a victory for terrorism and a tool for attaining political goals. From the PA leadership to the Hamas, Sharon's moves are seen as being the result of the intifada." Muhammad Dahlan said it straight out: "Israel's retreat from Gaza and from several settlements in the West Bank are the most important accomplishment of the intifada." (Al Quds, Feb. 20)

Sa'id Tziam, a Hamas leader, said, "Sharon's declarations are an achievement of the resistance and a response to all those who are not sure about its benefits... They are seen as a new push for continued resistance." (Al Hayat Al-Jadida, Feb. 5).

Marcus brings other similar quotes from Fatah leaders and PA officials. In addition, he cites statements showing that the PA expects the withdrawal from Gaza to lead to continued retreats from the rest of Judea and Samaria. Others are quoted who say that just as Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon led to the current intifada [Oslo War], so too a retreat from Gaza will bring about a retreat from the West Bank and even Jerusalem.

INN's Yishai Fleisher asked Marcus, "How is it that Ariel Sharon has claimed that this is a great blow to Arafat, etc.? You're saying the exact opposite!"

Marcus responded, "Because the Palestinians compartmentalize. On the one hand, they are thrilled at the prospect of Israel running away from Gaza in the face of terrorism; they see this as a great precedent. What they are angry about is the American statements made to Sharon... They certainly want Israel to leave, and will see that as the ultimate victory."

Fleisher: "So it's not actually a blow to Arafat."

Marcus: "No, that's a total, intentional lie."

The full interview with Itamar Marcus can be heard here, about 25 minutes into the show.

[yonif]

Ping.

[goldstategop]

The Israeli government's logic was Orwellian and Likud voters saw right through it. Even the Palestinians are smart enough to know a retreat when they saw one.

[tiamat]

If the PA is thrilled, it's not a GOOD move!

Sorry.

[Pukin Dog]

The article is a total lie, after the fact. The P.A. was terrified of Sharon's plan because of the disputed borders. Only after the plan was shot down, do they come out for it, as another way of sticking it to Sharon.

[yonif]

The PA and their terrorists loved the fact Israel was surrendering land to them. It is no lie, and this organization reports on what is going on in Palestinian society and media. These instances were reported BEFORE the fact it failed to pass. So these were their reactions BEFORE the vote.

[yonif]

Muhammad Dahlan said it straight out: "Israel's retreat from Gaza and from several settlements in the West Bank are the most important accomplishment of the intifada." (Al Quds, Feb. 20)

Sa'id Tziam, a Hamas leader, said, "Sharon's declarations are an achievement of the resistance and a response to all those who are not sure about its benefits... They are seen as a new push for continued resistance." (Al Hayat Al-Jadida, Feb. 5).