Israeli and Palestinian Women Leaders Call for a Return to Peace Negotiations

May 3, 2006 -(UNIFEM Press Release) Members of the International Women's Commission, in New York for meetings with UN officials, expressed concern that the results of the Palestinian elections are being seen as a reason to disengage from the peace process, when in fact, this is a critical moment to explore a resumption of negotiations. If not seized now, they said, the chance will be lost.

The International Women's Commission (IWC) is comprised of Israeli, Palestinian and international women who came together in July 2005 to work towards a just and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution. They are in the United States to meet with UN and US officials to gather support. In describing their mission here, they emphasized that recent opinion polls show that an "overwhelming majority among Israelis and Palestinians favour negotiated rather than unilateral further disengagement."

Colette Avital, deputy speaker of the Israeli Knesset, emphasized that this is the first time since 1967 that a majority of the Knesset favour a two-state solution. While previously, people thought that a two-state solution was something that would have to be lived with, she said, public sentiment is shifting on this. "Most people now feel it is a necessity; unless there is a Palestinian state, Israel is also in danger."

Moderate voices exist in the political community, on both sides, which must urgently be identified and supported to ensure engagement. "Hamas is not a homogenous bloc," said Amal Khreisheh, Director, Palestinian Working Women Society for Development. "There are moderate voices within Hamas who must be encouraged to shape the national dialogue."

Palestinian delegates stated that whatever they think about them, Hamas was elected in a genuine democratic process, and on a range of different issues, such as dealing with corruption and providing services. Palestinians should be allowed to sort out their political disagreements, they said, while governance continues. At the same time, said Maha Abu-Dayyeh, Director of the Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling in Jerusalem, there are indications that Hamas seems to be moving towards an acceptance of the idea that Mahmoud Abbas could play a major role in negotiating with Israel. "If Hamas agrees to negotiations, Fatah will not say no," she said. "This will be the first time that negotiations could take place that both the government and the opposition could support."

In a statement issued today, women on both sides declared that it is more important than ever to reach out across boundaries. Unilateralism is not the answer. As women and as politicians or activists in their different struggles, they are committed to continuing the dialogue. Moreover, they stated, they must be included in any peace negotiations that may come about — as decisions will then be taken that will impact Israelis and Palestinians for years to come.

"As women, we have a key role to play in meeting challenges and starting the longer-term process of rebuilding communities, reviving dialogue among all parts of society, and showing that there are other ways to live," said Professor Naomi Chazan, former deputy speaker of the Israeli Knesset. "Despite the fact that Israel, Palestine and members of the Quartet have all pledged to implement Security Council resolution 1325, which calls for increased engagement of women at all levels of decision-making in conflict resolution, this intention has still to be translated into practice."

The women will also be travelling to Washington, DC, to meet with U.S. State Department officials and members of Congress.

From: http://unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=447