HHC-5 Palestine

Representatives: Please post your opening statements here before class on Thursday
CNs: Please post your opening statements here before class on Friday

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[Andrew LoRusso]

Andrew LoRusso
HHC-5
10-30-05
Mr. Reich

Organization of Palestinian Refugees
The Organization of Palestinian Refugees is a group of representatives that strongly believe Palestinian refugees who lost their homes in 1948 should have their land back. However, the organization is willing to make large steps towards peace and specify the procedure in doing so.
The Palestinian community and refugees should be allotted land prior to the 1948 occurrence because the Israelis unfairly launched war and stole land that belonged to Palestine. In 1947, “the UN partitioned the lands into Arab and Jewish states” while a year later, “about 726,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes in the war that followed the creation of Israel” (Iseroff 100). The Palestinian people were driven out of their home unjustly, resulting in malnutrition and lack of shelter. Therefore, Palestinian communities who were driven from their homes should be given back their previously owned properties due to their unfair and unjust experience. The Palestinian people also demand the “withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict” (UNSCR 242, 106). According to the Oslo Accords, Palestine and Israel agreed that “Israel will withdraw from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, as detailed in the protocol attached as Annex II” (Bickerton and Clausner 110). In return, the Palestinian representatives arrange to establish a “joint Palestinian-Israeli Coordination and Cooperation Committee for mutual security purposes” and for the enhancement of peace. As Palestine hopes to gain the land back prior to the 1948 partition, Israel will be allowed to control all borders of Palestine’s new obtained lands. Also, Israeli taxes will be lowered by 1% and paid by the Palestinian government. Lastly, Palestine has agreed to set a safe passage of transportation between the Gaza Strip and Jericho area (Bickerton and Clausner 111). Thus, these arrangements create an easier and more peaceful transportation system for both the Palestinian and Israeli communities, allowing both sides to be able to travel safely. Palestine should be given back all land prior to the 1948 occurrence and in return, a development of peace between Palestine and Israel will be established.
Both the Palestinian and Israeli communities should be allowed to access the city of Jerusalem and freely worship there because the city is essential to both Islam and Judaism. Even though Jerusalem would be difficult to divide because “Jewish and Arab neighborhoods are closely interwoven,” the city of Jerusalem is a necessity for the Arab and Jewish religions (Iseroff 102). Jerusalem is the site of the remaining Western Wall where the believers of Judaism worship and pray. However, Jerusalem is also home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque where the Islamic followers worship. As one would notice, the city of Jerusalem is valuable to the Islamic and Judaism believers (Iseroff 102). Accordingly, Jerusalem should not be a divided capital and both Israel and Palestine should have the availability to access the city. As Palestine demands free worship in Jerusalem, in return, they offer to establish a “permanent international regime for the Jerusalem area which will provide for the maximum local autonomy for distinctive groups consistent with the special international status of the Jerusalem area” (UNGAR 194, 105). This Conciliation Commission will greatly protect the city of Jerusalem and sustain the availability of the city for both the Arab and Jewish religions. As a result, the committee will strongly improve peace between Palestine and Israel. The city of Jerusalem is vital to the success of the Arab and Jewish religions. Therefore, it makes sense that Jerusalem should be shared and governed by both the Palestinian and Israeli communities.
Both the states of Palestine and Israel should provide independent security forces and government for each other because uniting into one nation has proven to be a failure. Tensions remain high between the states of Palestine and Israel. For example, according to Ami Isseroff, “Israeli extremist settlers have harassed Palestinians, destroyed property, uprooted olive trees, and have killed several Palestinians in doubtful circumstances” (Iseroff 101). Also, as one teenager stated that interacting regions is false and it has failed (Sontag 3). Therefore, Palestine demands for everlasting peace as “Abbas has declared again and again that he will not use the force against armed groups” (Iseroff 102). Palestine insists that no more suicide bombings and terrorist attacks will take place in the state of Palestine. “Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every state in the area can live in security” (UNSCR 242, 106). This excerpt explains how Palestine requests that no wars will result in territory being gained from another region, as the wars would cause dominance of one state and violence would occur more often. On the other hand, the state offers to build strong “security barriers” that will prevent terrorist attacks and bombings from occurring between the two regions. It is stated that a “security barrier” has already taken place inside the West Bank. Even though Palestinians believe that “it cuts off transportation from their lands and from other towns” it has proved successful as a security fence. The IDF has declared that the barrier has reduced the amount of Israeli casualties and prevented terrorist attacks (Iseroff 103). The “security barriers” would limit the number of deaths and would create greater peace between Palestine and Israel as a result of fewer bombings. As Palestine demands for independent governments and a more peaceful relationship by constructing “security barriers,” they offer Israel the chance to agree.
The state of Palestine strongly believes that the refugees who were removed from their homes should have the right to return because they were unfairly displaced and experienced unnecessary difficulty. In 1948, the UN divided the land into Arab and Jewish states. As Arab land was taken by the Jews, thousands of Palestinians became refugees (Iseroff 100). According to the UN General Assembly Resolution 194, “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest predictable date…” (Research Net). The Resolution also states that “compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss or damage to property” (UNGAR 194, 105). Since “about 726,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes in the war that followed the creation of Israel,” Palestine demands for a fair refugee return (Iseroff 100). Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were stranded, experienced malnutrition, lost their shelter, and their lives were threatened. As Palestine commands for the rights of the refugees to return, Palestine will have “Palestinian refugees return to the Palestinian state, but not to Israel” (Iseroff 103). As a result, the Israel community will be able to preserve their own lands and sustain peace with Palestine by living in separate independent territories. Also, Israel will be allowed to control the borders of Palestine’s new land. Palestine demands for the rights of the refugees to return only to Palestinian soil as this will create peace between the Israeli communities.
Works Cited

Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” Mideast Web. 2005. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.mideastweb.org/nutshell.htm

“Palestinian Refugees and Final Status: Key Issues.” Palestinian refugee ResearchNet. 25 October 2005.

Sontag, Deborah. “Palestinian Forces Exchange Gunfire with Israeli Troop.” New York Times. 17 May 2000. nytimes.com. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20000517wednesday.html

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

UNGAR 194 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

UNSCR 242 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

[Max White]

Max White
Opening Statement
Mr. Reich

The objectives of our group, the Islamic Resistance Movement, (HAMAS) are to fight the false, successfully and for justice to prevail. Also, we want to build an establishment of the state of Islam which means Allah is our helper and our people can return to a central place. (“Hamas”mideastweb)
I propose that we, the Palestinians spilt the land into two equal pieces between our two groups in the West Bank. This solves the problem with building settlements of other groups too close to each other. It provides equal space so no one owns more than the other and fights for more land. For instance, with two different sections of the country one group like Islamics can make their land sacred without worrying about the permission of the Jews. “The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Muslim generations until Judgment Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up.” (“Hamas” mideastweb) The Palestinian land isn’t whole unless it’s made holy because Allah is their creator. Another reason for the land to be separated in two is that each section can be made into whatever it wants without having an affect on the other religion. This can minus the amount of arguing between the two parties and avoid unnecessary wars that kill many innocent people.
Jerusalem should be broken into two parts instead of being interwoven groups living together. Therefore the old city where the Western wall is isn’t near any Islamic settlements and the mosque of Al Aqsa. (Iseroff “nutshell” 102) I have a suggestion and it is to withdraw the Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip because this will decrease the tension between the people and the militia. This ultimately means peace in this Palestinian boundary and no acts of force in it. (UNSCR 106) Another option is to take Israeli troops out of the west bank and station them only in Jewish settlements so the same can happen in West bank as I want to happen in the Gaza Strip. An additional possibility in these two areas to create peace is “guaranteeing freedom of navigation through international waterways in the area;” (UNSCR 107) This minuses any terrorist attacks on Palestinian or Israeli ships from protestors against these peace agreements.
The security of the Islam comes from our god, Allah since we have a strong structured religion. We only fight back once we have been attacked and it’s in the cause of Allah. (Overfield “submission” 85) Our religion is important to security because we are loyal to Allah and if there was no religion of Islam chaos would break out. “In the absence of Islam oppression spreads and wars will break out.” (Hamas mideastweb) For example, the people who weren’t Jewish would be on their own with no set of controlled life but to fend on their own. The disputes between people would be on a regular basis. Going back to territorial sovereignty with my proposal of having two different areas for each group split up it would be easier to control security because the settlements wouldn’t be close where attacks could happen all the time. One big piece of Islam is faith and without it people lose security and obedience to religion. “If faith is lost, there is no security and there is no life for him who does not adhere to religion.”
(Hamas mideastweb) Therefore the security of Islam is based on their faith and loyalty to Allah.
My proposition for refugees is that they shall be returned if they were from a Palestinian territory to begin with. The benefit for you, the Jews is that you can keep all the ones that didn’t live in our region. Also, I am willing to allow you guys to maintain any refugees that don’t want to be released to Palestinian territories. All you have to do is pay us for them. I know you think by releasing these refugees will make the majority Arab-Palestinian but we are letting you keep people for a small exchange of compensation for the property or damage. (UNGAR 105) All in all my groups the Hamas and Palestinians are offering you a great deal to end this Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a peaceful way. I have stated my offers about what Palestinians want and what the Israelis receive in return. Now it’s your turn to agree with them because I have presented reasonable plans to overcome our problem. My goal is to have peaceful interactions between each group going on in the future. In agreement with my group and I it will bring us that much closer to the final resolution of peace.

Andrea, Alfred J., and James H. Overfield, eds. “Islam: Universal Submission to God.” The Human Record. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998, 225-233. p. 77-85

UNGAR 194 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004 p.105

UNSCR 242 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004 p.106-107

HAMAS. “The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS).” MideastWeb. 2005. MidEastWeb for Coexistance. 25 October 2005.

[Maddy Petrini]

Maddy Petrini
November 2, 2005

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

In 1947, The United Nations passed a partition plan stating the rights of ownership for the city of Jerusalem. This document stated Jerusalem should be a nationally owned city. “Israel ignored the Partition Plan and invaded and occupied 84% of Jerusalem.” (Fact Sheet). After settling into Jerusalem, the Israelis began to extend their boarders into East Jerusalem. In 1980, the Israeli had military control over, not only, the Gaza strip and the West Bank, but also the entirety of the Jerusalem City. The Israeli government built a wall separating our Palestinians and the Israelis. An unnamed Israeli judicial source said, “The fence is starting to enforce all kinds of laws, such as the Absentee Property Law or the Entry into Israel Law, according to which residents of the territories are not allowed to enter Jerusalem.” (Fact Sheet). Jerusalem is an important city for all cultures of the world. As Palestinians, we have a section of Jerusalem, East Jerusalem. The PLO believes that Israel has taken over and ruled a city that is not rightfully theirs. There should be no influence from the Israeli government telling us how to manage our section of the city because the land was not given to them. The Israeli people claim that they should own this land because it is their holy city, but the city has the same significance religiously to the Muslim religion and other religions as it does to the Jewish community. The Palestinians should be able to live peacefully under a united government, ruling the entire city, yet a Palestinian government should be able to regulate and enforce small laws in East Jerusalem.

From the time of the World War I the land of the Muslim community has been stripped away and given to other people. Under the rule of the U.N. mandate the Palestinians should have ownership over both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, but since the year of 1967 the Israeli government has conquered and settled in these areas, building settlements with a population of about 220,000, (Iserroff, Nutshell). In September of 2005 the Israeli government moved all of their settlers out of the Gaza Strip creating land for our people. This is encouraging yet there is still a Israeli government controlling us, and a Israeli police force suppressing us. The PLO is trying hard to get the Palestinian land back to the Palestinian people. We have made it very clear that we believe that the only way to spread peace in Israel is to create a two state government in which the Israelis and the Palestinians can both separately rule themselves. The Israel- PLO Declaration of Principles tries “among other things, to establish a Palestinian Interim Self Government Authority… for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.” (Declaration of Principles, 108). This interim government would then turn into a permanent way of government. The Palestinians would hold democratic elections electing Palestinians rulers to control their land and people. The economy should be created and balanced by our people. We will create commerce but will still interact with the Israeli economy. “An Israeli- Palestinian Economic Cooperation Committee will be established,” (Declaration of Principles, 109). Although we will form bonds with the Israeli economy they will not control our economy. The Palestinians will in the future create a police force to secure our boarders and out people. The two state solution is the only way for peace in the current state of Israel.

In 1948, around 726,000 Palestinians were pushed out of their homeland forced to find other places to live, (Iserroff, 100). Today there are many more refugees living in unsatisfactory conditions in little refugee camps in West Bank, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. “Like all refugees, the Palestinians left their homes out of fear for their safety due to the military conflict. Many fled due to direct military assaults on their towns and villages; others were forcibly expelled by Zionist forces,” (Fact Sheet). After the war in 1948 the Palestinian homes and villages were destroyed in order “to erase any evidence of a non-Jewish history and attachment to Palestine,” (Fact Sheet). The only just thing to do for these suffering refugees would be to let them return to their homes or give them money for their suffering. The price of the damaged property and the stolen land would be “in the billions of dollars,” (Fact Sheet). The right for the Israelis to return to their land is stated in the UN Resolution 194. This document says “…the [Palestinian] refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible,” (Fact Sheet). The Israeli government is a Jewish states and the Palestinian refugees are Christian and Muslim. The Israeli government is scared that with the increase of Palestinians will create a Palestinian majority. The Palestinians are the people that rightfully own this land there is no reason that these people cannot take over the land that was and should be theirs.

As peace treaties are signed and negotiations are settled the Israeli government is still not giving the Palestinians the rights that they deserve. The PLO has made it very clear that we will use violence if the Israeli government does not follow through with the treaties and rights that were promised to us. We have started intifadas in order to show our resistance to the Israeli government. WE refuse to live under and unjust government. The Palestinian people feel that the only way to gain power is to show the power that we already have. The PLO does not encourage violence yet they do not reject it if the violence will show the Israelis our determination to lead our own state.

Sources

“Fact Sheets.” PLO Negotiations Affairs Department. 25 October 2005.

Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” Mideast Web. 2005. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.mideastweb.org/nutshell.htm

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

[Jenny Donnelly]

A two-state solution is the only peaceful solution to the conflict of territorial sovereignty, for history demonstrates that either Palestine or Israel gaining complete control over the state only creates violence. Today, the PLO is agreeing, as it did before in 1988, that we will accept a two-state solution as we believe it is the only just compromise that will create peace. (Isseroff, 100) However, this proposal will be successful only if the Palestinians and Israelis both agree upon this solution and understand that, although it may not be ideal, it is better then war: hence the term “compromise”. In 1947, when the UN partitioned to divide Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, the two sides could not agree, war broke out, and the Israelis won control over Israel through force. (Isseroff, 100) However, though the Israelis may believe they have a right to Israel because of this one victory, the Palestinians have a right to the land as well, which is why a two-state solution is the perfect compromise. Throughout history, the Arabs held the state from 638 AD- 1099 AD, and then again from 1187-1917 AD. The Jews held the state before the Muslims and then gained control again a little over fifty years ago. Both Israelis and Palestinians have held Israel for long lengths of time, therefore both sides believe they have a right to the land. (Isseroff, 100) In the 1947 war, the only area not under Israeli control was the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, which were not taken over by the Israelis until the war in 1967. As these areas have not been under Israeli control as long as the rest of the state, and are heavily populated with Palestinians, it makes the most sense that the Gaza Strip and Jericho should become the state for the Palestinians. “Talks have centered around a return to pre-1967 borders.” (Guardian) The Palestinians and Israelis will have complete control over their own state as long as their actions are not greatly harming each other. The Palestinians will create a temporary democratic government and their own military that, after five years, will become permanent. A group of members of the UN will supervise the process of elections, and the withdrawal of the Israeli military and transfer to Palestinian control, ensuring that the process goes smoothly. Furthermore, an Israeli-Palestinian committee will be founded to discuss issues such as water, commerce, and boundaries, which also will be under the supervision of the UN. The committee will have an equal number of Palestinian and Israeli members and, if it is needed, the group of UN members will make final decisions if they cannot be agreed upon by the Palestinians and Israelis. This committee ensures that although there may be separate states, the Palestinians and Israelis are still communicating, for the wars in history (1947, 1967, open conflict in 2000 due to Palestinian anger at Israeli settlement) demonstrate that lack of communication causes war. (Declaration, 108-109)
The city of Jerusalem must be divided between the Israelis and Palestinians, for the constant fighting over the city has prohibited it from progressing and flourishing. The Old City should be controlled by the Palestinians and the remainder of Jerusalem should be under Israeli control. Since there are numerous Jewish suburbs outside of the Old City that formed after the six-day war, it would be impossible to split this area of Jerusalem because it is heavily dominated with Israeli villages. (Blogmosis) The Israelis should therefore gain this large part of Jerusalem, the land outside the Old City and, in return, the Palestinians should have control over the Old City. The Palestinians would control the Old City with the exception of the West Wall, which is the remainder of the first temple, which Israelis would control, as it is the part of the Old City that is important. There are many aspects of the Old City that are of great significance to the Palestinians, which is why it is sensible for the Palestinians to control the Old City. For instance, it contains the Al-Asqua mosque, “the third holiest site in Islam.” (Isseroff, 102) Also, Muhammad, one of the most essential and cherished people in Islam, ascended into heaven at the Temple Mount, located in the Old City, and spoke with God, arguably one of the most important moments in Islam. It is also believed that on the Temple Mount God asked Abraham to sacrifice Ishmael, an important Islam figure. (Chesnoff) This is a just compromise as the Israelis gain the area where there are many Jewish settlements and gain the West Wall, the part of the Old City that is important to them, and the Palestinians gain the rest of the Old City, which has great Islam significance.
Jerusalem, which contains an abundance of history and meaning, has great promise as a city, but the Israeli-Palestinian arguments over it have held it back. Therefore, with this proposal there will no longer be fighting over who controls which part, and the city, therefore, can flourish. When Jerusalem was a British mandate it flourished with construction, universities and museums, such as the Hebrew University and Rockefeller Museum. However, in 1947 when the UN made the city international, the Jews and Arabs both wanted Jerusalem as their own. Violence broke out and, eventually, the British gave up Israel as their mandate. The fighting over Jerusalem has continued and, until the fighting has stopped and a compromise for both sides can be reached, we will not be able to see the same promise in Jerusalem as when it was under control by Britain, rather then under unsteady fighting for control between Israel and Palestine. (Chesnoff, 121) The issue of fighting will be solved because, though the Palestinians and Israelis would each be controlling separate areas of Jerusalem, part of the agreement will be that their power over their area of Jerusalem cannot harm each other. Furthermore, the Palestinians and Israelis will have free access to all areas of Jerusalem, for this city means a great deal to both Palestinians and Israelis and therefore neither side has a right to prohibit each other from having access to all areas of it.
The refugees must be allowed back into Israel or, if they choose not to return, must be paid by the government for any property lost or damaged. After the Israelis won the 1947 war, 726,000 Palestinians were forced out or fled Israel in 1948, and many more fled or were forced out in 1967. They were either forced out by the Zionists or saw no option but to flee out of fear of the military control. The Israelis destroyed many of their villages and homes and the refugees have not been paid any compensation for all the destruction the Israelis have caused, while the cost is believed to be in the billions. (Isseroff, 100) and (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department) As the Arabs held what is now Israel from 638 AD- 1099 AD, and then again from 1187-1917 AD, the Israelis had no right to force so many of the Palestinians out simply because they won one war when the Palestinian people and their ancestors had held control over the state for several hundreds of years. Peace cannot truly be created until peace is reached not only with the people in Israel but also with the people forced out of it. Today, there are about four million Palestinian refugees, many of which are living in dirty, awful conditions. It is international law that the refugees should be let back in and the Israelis have no right to deny their entry, for they are not above international law. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department) It is stated that refugees have the right of return in UN Resolution 194, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Practice. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department) Israelis cannot deny the refugees out of selfishness because they created the awful situations the refugees are living in, and therefore, as actions cannot be erased, the Israelis must own up to their mistakes. Also, the return of the refugees will not destroy Israel, as the Israelis believe, if the two-state solution is followed, for then it will be decided upon that there will be separate states over which each side has complete control. Furthermore, Jewish immigrants continue to enter into Israel, and therefore Palestinian refugees must be allowed this right as well. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department)
Concerning the matter of security, the checkpoints cannot continue in the condition that they are now. The Israelis are causing a great disruption in the Palestinians’ life through these checkpoints, which affect them in their everyday routine, such as the simple journey to work, and Israelis often “were too quick to open fire, killing innocent civilians.” (Isseroff, 101) The Israelis cannot be hypocritical by murdering innocent civilians in order to stop others from murdering their own people. A solution must be found in which the Israelis can feel safe without causing a great disruption in the Palestinians’ everyday routine. The acceptance of a two-state solution should include an agreement to end all violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in order to reach peace. Also, a solution must be found to solve the problem of the “security barrier”, the wall that the Israelis are building. This wall must be taken down as it is prohibiting Palestinians from reaching their homes and other towns, as well as ruining land such as olive groves. The International Court of Justice also says that the wall is against International Law. (Isseroff) The Israelis say that the wall is needed to protect terrorist attacks. However, if the two-state solution is agreed upon then it will entail an end to fighting. As the Palestinians will gain the Gaza Strip, Jericho, and Old City, and will have the Palestinian State and area of Jerusalem asked for, there will be no need for war. Following the two-state solution, security of each area will be presented to whichever side has control over the area, as long as their security is not a significant disruption to the lives of others. As stated in territorial sovereignty, Israel will continue with their own military and government already established, while the Palestinians will create a temporary military and government for security which, five years after the agreement for the two-state solution is signed, will become permanent.

[Henry Mauck]

Opening Statements
Henry Mauck
These are the views of the Arab States on the four major parts of the Palestine - Israel conflict. Naturally these ideas will be geared toward making a good life for all Palestinians. However, because Israel must consent to a plan, and the fact this is a fairly left wing organization, there are many compromises throughout the road map. The Arab States have found the following plan to be very appropriate for the dispute at hand.

1.TERRITORIAL SOVEREIGNTY
The land belonging to Israel will include the entire coastline of the Mediterranean sea, Western Jerusalem and Gaza, a former Palestinian territory. This site could be a potential major travel industry because of the beaches. This is an extremely generous offer. However, most of the river Jordan will belong to Palestine in return. Water is needed more and more every day in this barren land, the river Jordan is a key water source (“Nutshell”, Iseroff). It is irrational to try to keep the entire river for Palestine only. The top of the river, and the body of water just under it will belong Israel. This will greatly help improve on the drinking water situation for not only Palestine, but Israel as well. My plan will be agreed upon because it keeps both the Jews and the Arabs somewhat happy, and the territories do not get split up to cover land in different areas. It is very possible that Israel might disagree with these points, we are willing to have my plan fluctuate a little, but the basic concepts must remain the same. This will help to prevent conflict between the two countries once they are completely separate.

2. JERUSALEM
Jerusalem will remain the way it is now, with the west belonging to Israel, and the east belonging to Palestine. Since Israel is on the west side of Palestine, they will take the west side of Jerusalem, while still have part of the old city. This is a concept that is constant throughout this plan, keep each country in one piece. If Jerusalem is broken up into many different unattached sections, there would be more interaction between Israel and Palestine, and therefore more potential fighting. The Jews will have the remaining section of their temple, the western wall. and the The Arabs will be in control of the El-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of rock. (“Nutshell”, Iseroff) Because the Jerusalem is such an important place to both religions, if it was entirely given to one side, fighting would surely follow. It is important that Jerusalem gets split up. Jerusalem will be a major station for security, because the two countries will be side by side at a very emotional and religious place. This is closely following the current sovereignty of Jerusalem. It is hard to argue for land based only on religious beliefs, because not everyone has the same religion.

3. SECURITY, VIOLENCE, SECURITY FENCE
These are the most important sections in the essay because they deal with the safety of people, a main priority. I propose both countries working together at the in between stage, while people are moving inside their permanent borders. The Arabs will be the military because they share the most amount of borders with other countries with the new plan. The military will protect Israel and Palestine from outside threats. Israel will be in charge of the police force, ensuring a safe place inside the countries’ borders. (Declaration of Principles, Bickerton/Klausner) Once the countries are separate, they will both have their own military and police forces. The security fence will take a long time to build, so until it is finished, a sizable percentage of troops from both countries will patrol the borders. These troops will mainly patrol the borders in the new plan between Palestine and Israel because there is a great possibility of fighting between the two countries.

4. REFUGEES AND RIGHT OF RETURN
“About 726,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes in 1948 in the war that followed the creation of Israel, and additional Palestinians fled in 1967. There are now about 4,000,000 Palestinian refugees.” (“Nutshell”, Iseroff) In my opinion the each refugee should get a sizable sum of money from Israel to compensate for their loss of their homes, or they should be allowed the right of return. They will only be allowed the right of return if their land is currently in Palestine. If it is in Israel, they can have the money from the Israel government, but no right of return. These refugees can travel into Israel only as immigrants, since they are Palestinian refugees and citizens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Map of Jerusalem’s Old City: http://www.beliefnet.com/imgs/old_city1.gif
-Map of Israel /Palestine: http://www.voyage-voyage.ru/map/map-israel.jpg
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." - Territorial Sovereignty
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." - Jerusalem
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." -Refugees and Right of Return
-The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner.

[Henry Mauck]

Opening Statements
Henry Mauck
These are the views of the Arab States on the four major parts of the Palestine - Israel conflict. Naturally these ideas will be geared toward making a good life for all Palestinians. However, because Israel must consent to a plan, and the fact this is a fairly left wing organization, there are many compromises throughout the road map. The Arab States have found the following plan to be very appropriate for the dispute at hand.

1.TERRITORIAL SOVEREIGNTY
The land belonging to Israel will include the entire coastline of the Mediterranean sea, Western Jerusalem and Gaza, a former Palestinian territory. This site could be a potential major travel industry because of the beaches. This is an extremely generous offer. However, most of the river Jordan will belong to Palestine in return. Water is needed more and more every day in this barren land, the river Jordan is a key water source (“Nutshell”, Iseroff). It is irrational to try to keep the entire river for Palestine only. The top of the river, and the body of water just under it will belong Israel. This will greatly help improve on the drinking water situation for not only Palestine, but Israel as well. My plan will be agreed upon because it keeps both the Jews and the Arabs somewhat happy, and the territories do not get split up to cover land in different areas. It is very possible that Israel might disagree with these points, we are willing to have my plan fluctuate a little, but the basic concepts must remain the same. This will help to prevent conflict between the two countries once they are completely separate.

2. JERUSALEM
Jerusalem will remain the way it is now, with the west belonging to Israel, and the east belonging to Palestine. Since Israel is on the west side of Palestine, they will take the west side of Jerusalem, while still have part of the old city. This is a concept that is constant throughout this plan, keep each country in one piece. If Jerusalem is broken up into many different unattached sections, there would be more interaction between Israel and Palestine, and therefore more potential fighting. The Jews will have the remaining section of their temple, the western wall. and the The Arabs will be in control of the El-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of rock. (“Nutshell”, Iseroff) Because the Jerusalem is such an important place to both religions, if it was entirely given to one side, fighting would surely follow. It is important that Jerusalem gets split up. Jerusalem will be a major station for security, because the two countries will be side by side at a very emotional and religious place. This is closely following the current sovereignty of Jerusalem. It is hard to argue for land based only on religious beliefs, because not everyone has the same religion.

3. SECURITY, VIOLENCE, SECURITY FENCE
These are the most important sections in the essay because they deal with the safety of people, a main priority. I propose both countries working together at the in between stage, while people are moving inside their permanent borders. The Arabs will be the military because they share the most amount of borders with other countries with the new plan. The military will protect Israel and Palestine from outside threats. Israel will be in charge of the police force, ensuring a safe place inside the countries’ borders. (Declaration of Principles, Bickerton/Klausner) Once the countries are separate, they will both have their own military and police forces. The security fence will take a long time to build, so until it is finished, a sizable percentage of troops from both countries will patrol the borders. These troops will mainly patrol the borders in the new plan between Palestine and Israel because there is a great possibility of fighting between the two countries.

4. REFUGEES AND RIGHT OF RETURN
“About 726,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes in 1948 in the war that followed the creation of Israel, and additional Palestinians fled in 1967. There are now about 4,000,000 Palestinian refugees.” (“Nutshell”, Iseroff) In my opinion the each refugee should get a sizable sum of money from Israel to compensate for their loss of their homes, or they should be allowed the right of return. They will only be allowed the right of return if their land is currently in Palestine. If it is in Israel, they can have the money from the Israel government, but no right of return. These refugees can travel into Israel only as immigrants, since they are Palestinian refugees and citizens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Map of Jerusalem’s Old City: http://www.beliefnet.com/imgs/old_city1.gif
-Map of Israel /Palestine: http://www.voyage-voyage.ru/map/map-israel.jpg
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." - Territorial Sovereignty
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." - Jerusalem
-Isseroff, Ami. "In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict." -Refugees and Right of Return
-The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner.

[Devan Luster]

Opening Statements

In 1187 AD, Muslims regained control of Jerusalem from Christian Crusaders. From that point until 1917, Muslims controlled Jerusalem. In 1918, the League of Nations gave the British “control” of the area, which was gained when the Arabs sided with Germany in World War 1 and they were defeated. Even though the British supposedly had jurisdiction over the area, Muslims were still living in Jerusalem. It was in 1948 that the Jews marched in and kicked the Palestinians out. The Jews claim that they have the right to this city because their ancient kingdom was located there. Not surprisingly, they seem to forget that Muslims also controlled Jerusalem for a very long time. The Western Wall is the Jews’ holiest place, and the Dome Rock and the Al-Aska Mosque are the 3rd holiest place for Muslims. Based on their history, it is not hard to understand why the Jews feel that they have the right to this city. But they lost the control of the city to the Romans, at a time when conquering territory was historically appropriate. Muslims controlled the city for well over 500 years and they lost control when nations from Europe took it over. At that time, taking over other countries was not something that was happening and for good reason. The human race had matured to a point where people no longer felt that land equaled power. For some reason, the Germans got their country back but we, the Muslims, did not. What we propose is a two-territory solution, with joint control over the old city of Jerusalem. I believe it can be said that the Jews agree that Jerusalem, especially the old city, is no place for violence. Therefore, a compromise must be reached between the two groups. A two-territory split would accommodate both groups wants and needs and avoid the violence that nobody needs. In order to help with the peace and joint jurisdiction over the Old City, we propose the establishment of a Cooperation Committee, which will oversee all government actions that involve the Old City and ensure that both sides get along.
In accordance with the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles, Article 4, we believe that the Palestinian government shall have jurisdiction over both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres signed this document, as did I, and we felt at that time that it was a fair agreement between the two sides. Today, I still feel the same way, and I also feel that part of Jerusalem should be under Palestinian control. Palestinians deserve the sovereignty of the West Bank and Gaza because prior to 1948, we had control of it. Taking over and occupying countries is not something that was or is appropriate in a modern day, civilized environment. Recently, Israel has turned over Gaza, but the West Bank is still occupied. We demand that Israel leave the West Bank. We have live in this region for nearly a millennium and we deserve to be able to govern it ourselves. What we propose is a transitional period of 3 years, during which we will pool our resources and create a police force. At different, set points during that period, we will start to use our police force to control areas. By the end of the period, we can have complete sovereignty over the territories. Israeli citizens live in the West Bank, and they will have to leave. We are willing to compensate them for their troubles, like the Israeli government should compensate our refugees.
Security is something that everyone is worried about, for a good reason. We agree with UN Resolution 242 and the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles that Palestine will be a demilitarized zone. In order to control our own citizens, we will create a strong, internal police force (“Declaration”). We concede that Palestine will be a demilitarized zone because it doesn't make sense for our country. What we are proposing is a 3-year transitional period in which we will establish our police force and it will start to take control of our land. By the end of that period, the Palestinian police force will control all of the land and the Israeli Military will only have to help us in protecting against external enemies. During this period, a fence will be built dividing up the territories. The fence will not go through Jerusalem, though, because that would be very disruptive and also unnecessary. One thing that must be established is a safe passage route between Gaza and the West Bank. The details and maintenance can be decided later, but there has to be some way of passage between the West Bank and Gaza. Israel and Palestine can’t coexist peacefully without security. Therefore, it is very important that we figure out a fair solution.
Another very important issue is refugees. When Israel was formed in 1948. It forced many Palestinians out of their homes and created many refugees. During the 6-Day War in 1967, the refugee problem was worsened when more people were forced to leave their homes. Kicking people out of their homes, especially in the day and age, is completely cruel and inhumane. What we propose is simple and it doesn’t ask much of the Israeli people. If the refugees lived in the West Bank or Gaza, they shall be allowed to return to their former land. If they lived inside of Israel, the Israeli government must compensate them with money and they will be allowed to live in the West Bank or Gaza. Another refugee problem will be created when all the Israeli’s leave the West Bank. The Palestinian government will compensate them in the same fashion that the Israeli government compensates Palestinian refugees. This problem is one with much importance and significance, so we must address it.

Bibliography:

Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell: Israeli Palestinian Conflict”

UN General Resolution 194 {Excerpts}

UN Security Council Resolution 242

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]

[Jake Greenstein]

Opening Statements for the Dedham Accords

Backed by the Jewish people, I, Arial Sharon, have certain views on the issues facing our developing nation. On issues such as Jerusalem, territorial sovereignty, security, and refugees, I am generally a right wing conservative. However, I am willing to make compromises in order to reach a final agreement. Peace must be made between us Israelites and the Palestinians.
Jerusalem is the heart of our faith, and is ours by right. We have suffered and endured, and have retained ownership over Jerusalem this whole time. The land is ours, and we should not be barred from it. My people should not only have unlimited access to this region, but be welcomed. If this land is not to be under the Israeli’s control, let it not be under Palestinian control either. They have no better claim to the land than we do. Before the L.O.N. got involved in this, we bought the land with solid money. Then the British gave us the land. In Genesis 17 7-8 God promised the Jews the land of Jerusalem, and what is now Israel. If Muslims argue they have religion roots in the land, not only do we have roots, but also according to religion the land is ours. For free and unlimited access to Jerusalem, I am willing to give up my control of the land, but only to a third party. A board shall be put into place that will make all executive decisions. This board wills be made up of members of all three major religions, and a delegate from the third party. Members of each government shall be on the board as well. No Muslim should rule the land, and desecrate the monuments of our faith. Muslims will be allowed to pray at Mosques and visit the holy sites of their religion. To prevent the damage of Jewish sites, Muslims will not be allowed near them, and restricted to certain areas in Jerusalem. As time passes, and the peace settles, Jerusalem will become open to everyone. Israelites should have control of all of Jerusalem.
This land that we Israelites are living on belongs to us. We have won it with our lives in battle, given money for it, signed treaties for it, been promised it by the British and United nations, and have been promised it by God. The least land we are walking away with from these negotiations is the land that we occupied in 1949. When the United Nations decided to split the land between the Palestinians and us, a deal was made. The land that us Israelites took after was won in war. We established boundaries like every other country, why should ours not stand? I propose two separate nations with their own sovereign governments. Besides a separate agreement over Jerusalem, one change will be made to these borders. A segment of land connecting the Palestinian land will be an international zone, solving travel issues. Also, I want both governments to take responsibility for travelers between communities in opposing territory. Travel should not inhibit our peace talks. I believe that Palestinians and my people can live side by side, and in faith of that I will give up some land. We will not exhibit force and command Palestinians leave their homes unless they don’t comply with our wishes. Communities have co-existed side by side for years, and this practice can continue. Each community shall nominate an ambassador to solve problems between the two. In return for this generous offer, I want the stoppage of military violence. If it were up to the military, we would have won this battle years ago, and retained all the land from the six-day war. There shall be a Jewish government on the lands, but followers of all religions can immigrate to the land. However, true citizenship and full rites to vote and participate in the government will only be granted to incoming Jews. There is no need for the immigration process to be stopped. On the Palestinian land, there shall be an ambassador elected to communicate with our government. Also, border patrol shall be erected by each nation. For the first five months after territories are declared, only government-cleared personnel shall be permitted to cross the border. The security fence has prevented a number of causalities so far (Isseroff), and this principle should apply to the borders. Our settlements in the West Bank shall follow the same rules as Palestinian settlements in Israeli lands. On our land, the Israeli government should govern, but Palestinians will be permitted to live here and follow our rules.
Refugees forced out of land by military procedures can return to the land they left, and immigrate into the country following procedures set by the government. Because settlements can continue to exist, new refugees shall not be created. Therefore, people leaving after these changes are set into effect, will be on their own. Refugees can return as immigrants through a process set by an agreement between the two governments. These immigrants cannot vote, until they are registered citizens. To become a citizen, the immigrants will apply and take a set test. They cannot run for positions as it should be a Jewish national homeland, and only Jews can run. A Jewish government will control Israel. We Israelites have been forced to leave our homes too, and are refugees as well. These refugees will follow the same protocol as the other refugees, and are allowed to return. Refugees who comply with our wishes of peace will be allowed to return in large number once the process stabilizes. Refugees can apply for citizenship, and undergo tests. These refugees will have to legally buy land, or be granted land by the government. Jews should feel welcome to immigrate to Israel, the Jewish national homeland. However, they too must undergo a process so we can make sure they comply with our beliefs and not disrupt the temporary peace between the Palestinians and us. The Palestinians argue that the Palestinians should be allotted the land or be compensated for what the Israelites took from them. Palestinians demand the right of refugees to return under UN General Assembly Resolution 194. In this resolution, they also demand that the Palestinians returning to the land shall still be the owners of their land. If they do not want to return, the refugees should be compensated for their property. However, in resolution 242 all it states about refugees is "Affirms further the necessity for achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem” Both the Oslo Accords and the Bush Road Map for peace are based on U.N. resolution 242, and not 194. We do not need to compensate Palestinians. Palestinian refugees returning to Palestinian lands can deal with their government for compensation. Israeli refugees returning to communities in the new land of Palestine will have to apply for immigration with the Palestinian government, and ask for compensation. They however, are free to apply for immigration into the state of Israel. Refugees are a problem that has been created by these exchanging of land, and this problem can easily be solved.
Us Israelites should be allowed to undertake security measures to protect our people. The security fence project should be allowed to continue, and funded by the government. “Since the barrier was built, Israeli casualties have decreased dramatically, and the IDF claims that it is vital to preventing terror attacks” (Isseroff) the barrier may prevent the Palestinians from getting to their own lands and other towns (Isseroff), but that problem can be solved. Checkpoints will be set up along the wall to allow passage between the territories. This security wall has helped decrease violence, and violence must be stopped for peace talks to resume. However, the security fence is only a temporary solution. “By itself the wall will not provide security for anyone, because it will plant hatred and villains in the hearts of Israeli and Palestinian children.” (Washington Post). This wall creates problems within our own people such as travel. Abdul Wahab Sabbah, a resident of a small, Jerusalem suburb described his situation, “After this wall, after they built this wall, my wife can’t live here. She must live, live in Jerusalem.” (Defining, Washington Post) In the words of a Palestinian farmer, “I need a permit to access my own lands…We are the victims of this policy.” (Defining, Washington Post). Once peace is reached between he two nations, and a final agreement signed, the wall will gradually begin to change. Our goal is to have the security fence completely open five months after negotiations end. Will this fence helps solve problems; we have another solution to the problem of creating peace. We will trade land for peace. The Palestinian government needs to crack down on groups such as the Habbas. One person can destroy negotiations, and you need to stop it. Punishments must be harsher, and the Palestinians need to put more funding into preventing and catching terrorist groups. They also need to increase security for their own leaders, to prevent the failure of peace talks. If this happens, our government will turn over abandoned communities in our possession, and allow the creation of new communities in Israel. Third parties such as the U.S. will not continue to help us and support talks until violence stalls. Violence needs to stop, and an agreement needs to be made before Israel stops retaliating. Until the number of Israeli casualties decrease by 50%, retaliations will continue. We need to protect ourselves, and will not agree to retaliate until we know there will be no more threats to our safety. An important aspect of these negotiations will be dealing with military. We will agree to remove our military from populated areas in accordance with the Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles. “In redeploying its military forces, Israel will be guided by the principle that its military forces should be redeployed outside populated areas.” (Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles). The Palestinians shall not create a military, and instead only increase their police force. With the improvement of security, and the continuation of the security fence, violence will, and must, be stopped.
Overall, the Israelites are willing to compromise on certain issues to reach peace with the Palestinians. Issues such as Jerusalem, territorial sovereignty, security, and refugees must be solved in order to reach peace. “The government of the State of Israel and the P.L.O. team (in the Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to the Middle East Peace Conference) (The “Palestinian Delegation”), representing the Palestinian people, agree that it is time to put an end to the decades of confrontation and conflict, recognize their mutual legitimate and political rites, and strive to live in a peaceful coexistence and mutual dignity and security and achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process.” (Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles). Both the Palestinians and we want peace between the two nations, and we believe it is possible that peace will be reached through negotiations such as these.

Bibliography

Balfour, Arthur. “The Balfour Declaration (November 2, 1917). The Israel-Arab Reader. Walter Laquer and Barry Rubin, eds. New York: Penguin, 2001. 16

Defining the Barrier. 2005 The Washington Post Company. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/interactives/israel/israelFence.html

Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” Mideast Web. 2005. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.mideastweb.org/nutshell.htm

Genesis 17. The Bible: Revised Standard Version. Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia. 22 Aug 2005. http://etext.virginia.edu/rsv.browse.html

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

UNGAR 194 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

UNSCR 242 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

[Jamie Shulman]

Jamie Shulman
HHC
Reich
Mahoud Abbas

For many years, my people have fought with the Israeli’s over land and religion. Now we each have a chance to make amends and live in peace, if both our needs are met. The following proposition is to set a standard of peace in our societies. Peace is a far greater virtue than territory. Compromise and listen.
Territorial Sovereignty
Long before 1948, Palestinians lived in present-day Israel. The Zionists inhabited our land and it became their own state. It is time that we, the Muslims, have that same privilege. Gaza and West Bank should be the location of our state, and the former Israel will be a two state solution. Gaza and West Bank are small portions of current Israel. If the Jews deserve their own state, we deserve our own as well. For years we, the Muslims, have been pushed around by the majority, but we, ourselves have never been the majority since then. Give us a chance to experience the kind of glory that you, the Jews, have with Israel. This 2-state solution would calm the rage between the Palestinians and Israelis. This reason can be defended because the ongoing battle was in part sparked by the Muslims feeling oppressed by the Jews in 1948 and beyond. Finally if we had our own state, it would enable us to make final peace with Israel and have our own government to ally with Israel’s. The PLO has been focusing on this since 1988 (Iseroff), but because this offer was not accepted the violence has continued at the same rate. To complete this task of a two-state solution, it would be necessary for the Israelis and the Israeli military to evacuate the West Bank, like the situation in Gaza. This scene has been played out once before and it can happen again.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the current capital of Israel, but has more meaning that just that of its title. For years Jerusalem and this land has been passed down through many groups and controllers. For almost eight hundred years, the Muslims controlled present day Israel and Jerusalem. They paved the way to a great land and added to the city’s grandeur, that tourists and citizens admire each day. Jews only inhabited the land in biblical times, with King David’s kingdom, but the hub of the city was made when the Muslims controlled the land later and it flourished into a thriving city and land from 1187-1917 a.c.e. Because of this fact, The Muslims should split Jerusalem with the Jews, but share the Old City. This fair compromise allows the Jews to keep part of their holy city, but also allow us to control the land we rightfully deserve. This way, the Jews can visit the Western Wall, and the Muslims can visit the Dome of Rock, Temple Mount, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We will control the Eastern side of Jerusalem, which is closest to the West Bank, (land that we potentially hope to own), and Israel can claim the rest. The Old City will be kept in peace because of a cooperation committee that we hope to establish with the Israeli government. This committee will work to establish the boundaries and laws of security within the Old City and potentially within Jerusalem. Our plan is fair because of all the sacrifices we have made to secure the peace within our boundaries. Jerusalem is translated as city of peace and it will be a city of peace after our agreement is settled. (Chesnoff)
Refugees
It has been many years since the wars that drove many Palestinians out of Israel. 1948 and 1967 created millions of refugees during the founding of the state of Israel, and the six-day-war. Our plan for these refugees is to compensate for those losses, the losses for which the Israeli government is at fault. Our plan for the refugees is to allow them the ‘right of return’ into the new Palestinian land, Gaza, and potentially the West Bank. “the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practical date.” (UN Resolution 194) As not to create the Palestinian majority of that Israel is afraid would end the Jewish state entirely (Iseroff), we have decided to only allow those that had homes within current Palestinian territories can return, and the rest who lived in present day Israel would be compensated with money, paid by the Israeli government. If there are Palestinian who formerly lived in current Palestinian territory, but are settled into their new countries and do not wish to return, they will still be compensated, but by our own government. This proposal is just, because it takes care of the millions of refugees that were forced and fleeing out of our country. Also, many of the refugees will not be alive at this point in time and we have are only advising to compensate those refugees still living presently. Because of the vast number of Palestinians forced out of their homeland, we expect compensation.
Security
Our goal is to have two separate governments running successfully; one; Israeli, and a second; Palestinian. In this situation, our new state, being new, would still need protection from the Israeli military force. This would only be in place for three years. This time would be spent, establishing a strong police force and training them to be our sole use of defense for our homeland. Potentially, as our economy grew, a military would be useful, but for now the police force is our main concentration of any form of security within the Palestinian territories. After these three years, the Israeli military can focus exclusively on its own citizens and leave the Palestinians to fend for ourselves with our new, strong police force.

Bibliography
Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” Mideast Web. 2005. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.mideastweb.org/nutshell.htm

UNGAR 194 [Excerpts]. Ian Bickerton and Carla Klausner. A Concise History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2004

Chesnoff, Richard. “God’s City.” US News and World Report. Special Collector’s Edition: Mysteries of the Faith. 2001. 10-16