The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation

Washington. Although they met several times, Abbas and Olmert were
not able to issue a statement until the last moment. It was agreed to
renew the negotiations for a permanent agreement. Parallel to this statement,
the Israeli government issued contradictory statements as to the
future of Jerusalem, the building of settlements, the annexation of parts
of the Palestinian side of Jerusalem, etc.
The Arab world for its part, mainly Egypt, continued its efforts to bring
Hamas and Fatah together to national reconciliation, which was seen as
essential for a joint position during negotiating with Israel.
War on Gaza, “Operation Cast Lead”
As Hamas continued launching rockets on Israeli civilians, and Israeli
army bombarding their infrastructure and killed people, the date of the
expiration of the official “pause” was drawing near. On December 24,
2008, Hamas bombarded Israel with some sixty rockets. Three days
later, Israel began Operation Cast Lead, intensively bombing Gaza for an
entire Saturday morning; some 225 people were killed. The number of
killed grew day by day. Hamas responded with rocket attacks on Israeli
towns and cities, including Ashdod and Ashkelon. Israel prepared for a
ground invasion. The fighting ended officially by January 18, as Israel announced
a unilateral ceasefire. This war ended with 1300 Palestinian
and thirteen Israeli citizens killed.
The war was used by the right-wing parties, who came in power in
elections, held on February 10, 2009. The current government, made of
the extremist right, fascists and religious parties, marked the total defeat
of the more moderate parties. The parliament is characterized by a weak
opposition; peace oriented parties are almost non-existence, and civil
society groups which work on human rights, democracy and peace are
under harsh attack, through well-organized incitement of the government’s
speakers. Moreover, proposed legislation by coalition members
in parliament aims at restricting the work of human rights and peace
movement groups.
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