A view from Gaza
Palestine-USA, Politics, 12/14/1998

US President Bill Clinton wanted to solve the prisoner release issue before he returns to the US. Palestinian President Yasser Arafat needed this agreement no less than Clinton. It makes his life easier, especially as it could help the current wave of unrest to fade away. It would also help minimize the effect of the meeting his opponents held in Damascus.

For Arafat, Clinton's arrival to Gaza and his inauguration of the Gaza International Airport was perhaps the most important event since he returned to Gaza in July 1994. Arafat's return marked the start of a new procedure leading to statehood. Clinton's visit marks the most significant international recognition of the Palestinian quest for independence.

In his remarks before he attended the special PNC session, President Clinton commended to the Palestinian leadership and representatives saying that this is "the first time in history where they determine their own future on their own land."

Since the morning hours, Palestinian, Israeli and US officials were busy trying to reach a formula that would satisfy all parties with regard to the prisoners' issue. The basic formula, The Gulf Today was told, is to work out a new definition for the term "prisoners with Jewish blood on their hands." US officials proposed that only Palestinians who actually killed Jews be defined within this category but not their accomplices or aides who may have helped them but did not actually participate in the killing of Jews.

Another proposal that was raised in contacts between officials from the three parties suggested that Palestinians jailed in Israel for acts they committed before the 1993 signing of the Oslo Accord be eligible to early release from prisons, while those who were jailed after 1993 won't be released. Though the Palestinians have not given their final approval to the proposal, many say it would be satisfactory in a sense that it would enable long-term serving prisoners to be set free. Those prisoners, of whom many have been incarcerated for more than 15 years, form the hard core of prisoners' leadership behind bars. Their release would as such amplify public support not only for President Arafat himself but also for his peace moves towards Israel.

In Gaza, the view was astounding. Never in the city's history was there such a clean and celebrative scene. American flags, which until a few weeks ago were burnt by angry Palestinians protesting US support for Israel, were hoisted over many high buildings and in the streets of the city.

People who took to the streets early in the morning to watch the presidential motorcade of Clinton and Arafat were disappointed after the original plan was changed. Both Arafat and his guest flew their helicopters from the airport to Arafat's office because of last-minute security considerations. Palestinian and US security officials were worried that a sea of people crowding around the motorcade might become too risky for the two leaders.

Previous Stories:
  Monday strike might be canceled in honor of President Clinton's   (12/12/1998)
  Netanyahu concerned over Clinton's visit to Gaza   (12/10/1998)
  Clinton to light Christmas tree in Bethlehem   (12/9/1998)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search