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A Rare Palestinian Voice of Sanity

(Gatestone Institute) Khaled Abu Toameh - Dr. Ibrahim Abrash, a former Palestinian Minister of Culture from Gaza, recently published a scathing attack on both the PA and Hamas, holding them responsible for the continued suffering of their people. Abrash holds the two Palestinian parties responsible for the delay in rebuilding houses destroyed or damaged in Gaza during last year's conflict. "In light of the division [between the PA-controlled West Bank and Hamas-run Gaza], corruption and absence of accountability have become widespread." He also claims that some Palestinians are forced to pay bribes to Palestinian officials to obtain a travel permit. "Many people have been subjected to blackmail and procrastination [by Palestinian officials] after Israel eased travel restrictions at the Bet Hanoun [Erez] border crossing....Isn't it shameful and irritating that while Israel has been issuing travel permits for those with special needs, some influential [Palestinian] officials are placing obstacles?" While Western journalists tend to ignore Palestinians who are critical of the PA or Hamas, a growing number of Palestinians have come to realize that both Hamas and the PA are responsible for hindering efforts to rebuild Gaza and are as corrupt as ever. The real tragedy of the Palestinian people has been - and remains - bad and irresponsible leadership.
2015-07-31 00:00:00
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