Editorial
Freedom for Palestinian prisoners
Let it mark a new start
The willingness of the Israeli government to free more than a thousand Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of an Israeli soldier now in the hands of Hamas is reason for surprise. That is because of the intransigence the government of Binyamin Netanyahu has consistently demonstrated where dealing with the Palestinians is concerned. Even so, his readiness to free the prisoners in order to have soldier Gilad Shalit released by Palestinian extremist groups could be regarded as a sign of the Israeli authorities softening their belligerence somewhat. Perhaps that could lead to some new thinking about the Palestine issue as a whole.
The move to free the Palestinians, in an important way, is also a message from groups like Hamas that they can stand their ground despite all the onslaughts they may come under. In recent years, Hamas-controlled Gaza has borne the brunt of Israeli obduracy without end, a difficulty that even had Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyep Erdogan wading into the turbulent waters of the region. One might as well not forget either that despite Israeli objections and American consternation, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas went ahead and presented the case for Palestinian membership of the United Nations last month. His goal might not be reached any time soon, but there can be little question that he has scored a major moral victory through his act. Netanyahu is now scrambling to minimize the blows coming at him.
One is happy that soldier Gilad Shalit is finally on his way to freedom. That the Palestinian prisoners are about to emerge into freedom through this remarkable swap gives one similar cause for happiness. On the larger matter of the Palestine issue moving further ahead, it is for Mr. Netanyahu to choose his options. He can tone down his opposition to Palestinian statehood. Or he can go back to his notorious toughness. The latter course will cause him immense harm.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments