#To imajulianutter

You state:

"If you say you accept the existance of a state and then go about setting up illegal settlements then you are self deceptive and absurd in expecting rational people to believe your rhetoric."

The settlements are not illegal. Jews have the right to settle in the West Bank under article 6 of the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine and article 80 of the United Nations Charter.

Jews in fact lived in the West Bank prior to 1948 pursuant to such vested legal rights before being driven out and dispossessed by the invading Jordanian army.

imajulianutter

Previously you have been provided chapter and verse with evidence of the legality of settlements on the West Bank, ... and indeed the legality of Israel's “occupation” of the West Bank to secure its safety. Under UN Security Council Resolution 24 israel is entitled to land for defensible borders

Indeed, Israel’s presence cannot be legitimately called an occupation. The term “occupation” refers to foreign troops on soverign territory (which the West Bank is not), such as the German occupation of countries during WWII.

Since Oslo, Israel has transferred virtually all civilian authority to the Palestinian Authority, retaining only power to ensure its own security and that of its citizens. You can’t object to that.

If you are unable to absorb and verify facts, given their provenance, then perhaps it is better if you do not enter this debate, as it is an utter waste of time for all concerned.

It appears increasingly difficult to engage in any legitimate debate about Israel as the level of knowledge about Israel, of international law, relative UN Security Council resolutions, and understanding of basic terminology, sinks to a deplorable level in direct proportion the loudest screeches.

So many comments, so much ignorance.

A common trait of the proponents of anti-Israel bile is that they do not like facts or history but hide behind personal attacks and misinformation from'reliable sources'. Take the time to read some history with an open mind and you will see that it is not Israel that prolongs this conflict but the Palestinian leadership which seeks Israel's destruction.

See David there is your disinformation and your usual nasty imputations at work.

I've never said Jewish people cannot live in the West Bank.

I am not anti-semetic as is imputed in your nasty small minded statements.

I object to the state of Israel dispossesing the Palestinian inhabitants of their homes, demolishing them and then building enclaves an the stolen lands.

And that is the issue you aviod facing and answering decently.

Shouldn't the land have at least been bought? And if you think former disposession is a reason for re-instatement then I might point out to you a few issues about a certain 'right of return'. doh. Do you feel a bit silly right now?

I see as usual you've called up the reinforcements. As usual a typical attempt to bully people whose opinions directly challenge the zionist grand design

Danielle,

Just the usual weasel words. Now explain the wall, the checkpoints, the harassment and the efforts to prevent a future Palestinian nation from having an army?

Malcolmpb,

Are you for real? Nobody with any brain believes that propaganda anymore. The belief the Palestinians deserve a homeland is much stronger since that disgraceful attack you blokes launched, and failed at, in Southern Lebanon. The world looked for a the perpretrator then and saw Israel. Since then you've lost the propaganda battle. The Palestinians are gaining more and more sympathy world-wide and will gain their state ... at pre '67 borders.

That's reasonable, fair and decent. Your position isn't. The world is no longer as it was but you blokes keep hanging onto the past and are too stubborn to see the changes.

It is written in the bible. The Jews are God's chosen people. It is God's will that they should do what they will in Israel. (Who am I kidding?) We can't argue with that and it is a pointless exercise to try. The fact that they are all brothers under Abraham seems to have not softened their hearts.

David

majulianutter

Not through international conventions, nor major UN resolutions, nor through relevant agreements between the parties, do the Palestinian refugees have a right to return to Israel.

In fact, 'right of return" was suggested as a move towards reconcilliation, and included equally 'right of return' for Jews to Arab states.

‘Right of return' has no international precedent, nor recognition, anywhere.

A Palestinian army? Remember the Palestinian war. They managed to kill more of each other in the first ten months, than had been in conflicts with Israel.

As for the fence, there are fences and more fences, and with checkpoints, worldwide, dividing groups. This is recognised as a legitimate means to secure safety. I have personally gone through many armed checkpoints elsewhere, I've also had to carry ID with me at all times. All rational people accepted this as a necessary means of security.

The Israeli fence has saved many lives.

I suggest that before you rush into print repeating 'catch phrases' and uninformed facts, that you actually do some indepth research - there is sufficient available - so that you can actually contribute something of value. Currently you are making yourself look ridiculous.