The New Palestinian President

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Apr 2005

Events moved swiftly after Mahmoud Abbas had been elected President of the Palestinian Authority in succession to Yasser Arafat (January 2005). Within about a month a Summit meeting was held with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon at the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh. The two leaders shook hands warmly across the table. A truce was accepted by both sides. Sharon seemed unusually cooperative, pledging immediately to withdraw Israeli forces from five West Bank towns, and release about 900 Palestinian prisoners. It was agreed to take gradual steps towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, occupying much of the territory held by Israel since the 1967 Six Day War.

Quite evidently both sides urgently need a way out of the 'intifadeh' conflict, which has cost more than four thousand lives, and caused immense suffering and economic loss. The new American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, optimistically commented: "This is the best chance for peace we are likely to see for some years to come". Yet she also realistically warned that Israel had some hard choices.

There are indeed many hurdles to be surmounted. Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad declared they were not bound by the agreed cease-fire. They had observed a truce to test whether Abbas would make progress in negotiations with Sharon, but could cause disruption by renewed suicide bombings and other violence against Israeli people. At the Summit Sharon demanded that the Palestinians should take immediate steps to disarm the militants of Hamas before Israel agrees to resume peace talks. Abbas pointed out that he'd only been in office a couple of weeks and needed time. "You've got to move faster," was Sharon's response!

Within Israel, Sharon faces his own problems. His proposal to close down Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip has aroused fierce hostility from the settlers themselves, and from extremists who wish to hold on to every inch of the 'promised land'. The major issues in dispute with the Palestinians have yet to be addressed, such as - the proportion of 'occupied territory' from which Israel is prepared to withdraw; Israeli settlements within those areas; the return of Palestinian refugees. Above all else is the vexed question of Jerusalem's status. Palestinians want the east section of the city to be recognized as the capital of their independent State; a claim likely to be strongly contested!

That Jerusalem has become a major issue seems highly significant in the light of prophetic Scripture. For the city is featured dramatically as a focal centre of international crisis immediately before the Lord's return to earth in power and glory. The first three verses of Zechariah 12 are specific about this: 'Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it."'

'That day' clearly refers to Israel's final struggle before there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (Rom.11:26). From our present day perspective we recognize that already Jerusalem has become a very heavy stone for the nations. How remarkable that the divine Potter is moulding the international scene to bring this problem into centre stage, so that both the United States and the European Union are vitally involved; while the United Nations keeps the situation under active review.

President Abbas will be hard pressed to reach a settlement with Israel which will adequately meet the expectations of his people. Difficult compromises will have to be made by both sides. Perhaps the deep longing for an end to violence will make some agreement possible. Yet Scripture shows that this would be temporary at the best. For darker days still lie ahead, when '"there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world � no, nor ever shall be"' (Mat.24:21).

Thankfully we hear again our Master's word of cheer: '"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near"' (Luke 21:28).

PRASHER, G. | Apr 2005
Focus