Colour me skeptical, but the chances of anything like a fair election being held in the Palestinian territories that is indeed free of Hamas's "influence" or without any Hamas-"friendly" candidates on the ballot are exceedingly slim. Hamas is still fairly popular in Fatah-ruled Areas A and B according to Dr. Shikaki's polling organization and however unhappy Gazans are with Hamas, they haven't, en mass repudiated the October 7th invasion of southern Israel. And who, exactly, can be trusted to effectively manage such an election held in war ravaged Gaza or for an electorate that last was able to vote in 2007?
I really do wish them well. But when those *free and fair elections* don’t happen, then Carney & Co will shrug, say they tried but what can they do, and this will become the new normal.
I expect that come the end of 2026, if there is an election, and that the government of Palestine includes a sizable representation of Hamas-"friendly" members, we'll be gaslit by Carney and Anand as surely as we were over Hamas's penetration of UNRWA, Hamas culpability for food insecurity in Gaza, etc.
And I see from an article in Britain's Jewish Chronicle, that the address of Canada's embassy, located in Tel Aviv, was temporarily updated to indicate that it is located in Palestine, but a quick check on the government of Canada's website has it situated in Israel.
For the average Palestinian, a much better solution would have been to have Gaza become an Israeli Protectorate, with Israel responsible for ensuring there was a rule of law and de jure recognition that Palestinians could have title to property. Unfortunately, there is an element of Palestinian/Islamist society that would rather see Gaza and the general population live in penury and fear than establish any kind of modus vivendi with Israel. Tragic.
The decision made by Canada and others to recognize a two state solution while Hamas and their ilk are still strong demonstrates stupidity,ignorance, and new strength for Hamas to attach itself to.
I remain highly skeptical this recognition as a Palestinian state will go anywhere but where it's already been. As you noted, the Palestinian Authority is corrupt. While the conditions state Hamas to be banished from Palestinian politics, nothing precludes Hamas 2.0 from being called by another name but continuing to terrorize Israel. All they have to do in go whining to the UN with false reports of Israeli transgressions. And Western leaders have proven they're strongly inclined to believe terrorist lies.
And, most importantly, what's the 'or else' for the inevitable violation to carry out the conditions?
I've been in a self imposed hiatus since June. Glad to see you are doing ok as well. I will leave you with these quotes: First from my much better half. About a month ago, while reading something out loud about Kier Starmer, my wife responded and i quote: He reminds me of a limp noodle.
Second Quote: Two State Solution or Two State Delusion?
I always look forward to your columns.You are my favourite . I remember the first time I read a piece by you, it was years ago in the Ottawa Citizen . I wasn’t a subscriber to it but I remembered your name and was pleased when you started to appear in the National Post.
And of course, really good article, as usual.Mr. Glavin.
"The UN’s Saudi-French “New York Declaration” demands that Hamas surrenders and gives up all its weapons and releases all its remaining hostages, and requires the replacement of Israeli forces in Gaza with troops from a UN-commanded “temporary international stabilization mission.” "
So UNRWA is full of Hamas supporters, Hamas was allowed to siphon computing power from a UN facility, the UN has a history of sanctioning Israel more than any other country in the world - including China and those bastions of virtue in the Middle East who murder women for not covering their hair in exactly the prescribed manner - and we're just supposed to trust that more UN lackeys will keep the peace and make sure that the local Arabs behave themselves?
It’s been said that the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Can a tangible political faction rise from the ashes of this present conflict, from the dust of the Hamas / Fatah / PA squabble; a Party which may be still somewhat hostile to Israel but not atrocious or genocidally anti-semitic. I’m sure there are politically moderate Palestinians, secular in public, farmers, carpenters, families who could live in outward peace if not exactly trusting of or friendly with their Jewish neighbours but are those Palestinians in the majority or even an effectively vocal minority of political players in the present land and future state of Palestine.
If Palestine is a Nation with a future, it must forgive its past and change its ways.
Thanks Terry for giving me some hope that Canada is not merely virtue signalling at the UN. Yet I fear we are herding cats. Chin up then but not chin out.
I think it was macron that said gaza is an international problem and israel shouldnt be going in there without an international force with it ,and abbas should be gone .
I'll take 'chin up' over 'elbows up' any day of the week.
Your work is worth the wait.
Shana Tova to you too Terry.
Colour me skeptical, but the chances of anything like a fair election being held in the Palestinian territories that is indeed free of Hamas's "influence" or without any Hamas-"friendly" candidates on the ballot are exceedingly slim. Hamas is still fairly popular in Fatah-ruled Areas A and B according to Dr. Shikaki's polling organization and however unhappy Gazans are with Hamas, they haven't, en mass repudiated the October 7th invasion of southern Israel. And who, exactly, can be trusted to effectively manage such an election held in war ravaged Gaza or for an electorate that last was able to vote in 2007?
Fair elections in Palastinian Territories? And I have the winning numbers for the Max.....
I really do wish them well. But when those *free and fair elections* don’t happen, then Carney & Co will shrug, say they tried but what can they do, and this will become the new normal.
I expect that come the end of 2026, if there is an election, and that the government of Palestine includes a sizable representation of Hamas-"friendly" members, we'll be gaslit by Carney and Anand as surely as we were over Hamas's penetration of UNRWA, Hamas culpability for food insecurity in Gaza, etc.
And I see from an article in Britain's Jewish Chronicle, that the address of Canada's embassy, located in Tel Aviv, was temporarily updated to indicate that it is located in Palestine, but a quick check on the government of Canada's website has it situated in Israel.
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/israel/tel_aviv.aspx?lang=eng
For the average Palestinian, a much better solution would have been to have Gaza become an Israeli Protectorate, with Israel responsible for ensuring there was a rule of law and de jure recognition that Palestinians could have title to property. Unfortunately, there is an element of Palestinian/Islamist society that would rather see Gaza and the general population live in penury and fear than establish any kind of modus vivendi with Israel. Tragic.
The decision made by Canada and others to recognize a two state solution while Hamas and their ilk are still strong demonstrates stupidity,ignorance, and new strength for Hamas to attach itself to.
Ok. If you say so. Chin up. 🤔🧠
I remain highly skeptical this recognition as a Palestinian state will go anywhere but where it's already been. As you noted, the Palestinian Authority is corrupt. While the conditions state Hamas to be banished from Palestinian politics, nothing precludes Hamas 2.0 from being called by another name but continuing to terrorize Israel. All they have to do in go whining to the UN with false reports of Israeli transgressions. And Western leaders have proven they're strongly inclined to believe terrorist lies.
And, most importantly, what's the 'or else' for the inevitable violation to carry out the conditions?
Hi Terry,
I've been in a self imposed hiatus since June. Glad to see you are doing ok as well. I will leave you with these quotes: First from my much better half. About a month ago, while reading something out loud about Kier Starmer, my wife responded and i quote: He reminds me of a limp noodle.
Second Quote: Two State Solution or Two State Delusion?
Am Yisrael Chai
Happy Rosh Shoshana.
Your wife is funny! She made me smile.
I always look forward to your columns.You are my favourite . I remember the first time I read a piece by you, it was years ago in the Ottawa Citizen . I wasn’t a subscriber to it but I remembered your name and was pleased when you started to appear in the National Post.
And of course, really good article, as usual.Mr. Glavin.
"The UN’s Saudi-French “New York Declaration” demands that Hamas surrenders and gives up all its weapons and releases all its remaining hostages, and requires the replacement of Israeli forces in Gaza with troops from a UN-commanded “temporary international stabilization mission.” "
So UNRWA is full of Hamas supporters, Hamas was allowed to siphon computing power from a UN facility, the UN has a history of sanctioning Israel more than any other country in the world - including China and those bastions of virtue in the Middle East who murder women for not covering their hair in exactly the prescribed manner - and we're just supposed to trust that more UN lackeys will keep the peace and make sure that the local Arabs behave themselves?
Really????
It’s been said that the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Can a tangible political faction rise from the ashes of this present conflict, from the dust of the Hamas / Fatah / PA squabble; a Party which may be still somewhat hostile to Israel but not atrocious or genocidally anti-semitic. I’m sure there are politically moderate Palestinians, secular in public, farmers, carpenters, families who could live in outward peace if not exactly trusting of or friendly with their Jewish neighbours but are those Palestinians in the majority or even an effectively vocal minority of political players in the present land and future state of Palestine.
If Palestine is a Nation with a future, it must forgive its past and change its ways.
Thanks Terry for giving me some hope that Canada is not merely virtue signalling at the UN. Yet I fear we are herding cats. Chin up then but not chin out.
I think it was macron that said gaza is an international problem and israel shouldnt be going in there without an international force with it ,and abbas should be gone .