AGORA: "Should Palestine Become an Independent State?"

“Should Palestine Become an Independent State”

Selections from the debate by AGORA at Sadaebugo

3^rd of September, 2011

: It would be a big problem for peace in the Arab states. It would be ruled by Hamas, which is very hostile to Arabs.

: We should respect Palestine’s rights. Basically what they call Israel is invaders.

: Do you know what Hamas is? It’s Palestine’s armed political party. It is interrupting peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel.

: People oppose [the creation of a state] because Palestine is violent and not a fixed government.

: Should we upset the Bible’s promises of Israel? There was the diaspora, then the Holocaust, the UN helped create Israel and agreed that it should be a state, but there were people there already, so three more wars ensued.

: Did they have a nation there before? After WWI, England made a promise to Israel and to Palestine.

: If Palestine has their own government, now they merely need land?

: This is not an easy issue because it’s related to religion, too. Fighting over Jerusalem is often a religious issue. Strong counties are staying quiet and don’t want to get involved. The U.S., however, supports Israel.

: Other counties need to step in. Israel’s claims and evidence are questionable. England made promises when Palestine was actually just a colony and its rights were trampled. This was done because of guilt associated with the Holocaust.

: How are we to solve this? Should we leave them alone or intervene? What is the best way to pursue peace?

: Like how should land be divided?

: Do we leave it? Or do we create 2 and leave Jerusalem alone?

: I wouldn’t be very happy dividing it; it’s a very sensitive issue as a religious site.

: Palestine wants Jerusalem included, as well, because of its own religion. But the world can’t settle the religious issues at hand – they have to work it out themselves. Maybe keep Jerusalem neutral?

: There will be more conflicts and war. Now there is no government, but if there is, they could war over it.

: Arab countries historically don’t give rights to Jews. Saudi Arabia doesn’t even let them become citizens, but Israel is better at integrating Arabs. We should support Israel in finding a solution on this issue.

: So you don’t agree? Palestine shouldn’t be its own country.

: No, it has its rights. Actually, Israel ignored a lot of UN resolutions by building illegal settlements in the occupied area.

: It’s really tricky!