Sense of responsibility
By
Naguib Mahfouz
I was greatly saddened by the outbreak of violence in the occupied territories following recent peace initiatives. These, I felt, had presented an opportunity for calming the situation down and returning to the negotiating table with the object of establishing the Palestinian state to which we all aspire.
I do not claim that the proposed plan, the roadmap, was ideal. Many of its terms have been justly criticised, whether from the Arab or Israeli perspective. But in the end it had the backing of the so-called Quartet, the US, Russia, UN and EU. It had also been accepted by the two conflicting parties despite reservations.
The plan may have resulted in a partial or temporary resolution. But it seems that the current Israeli government has specialised in coming up with ways in which to drive the Palestinians to violence. The attempted assassination of one of the leaders of Hamas is indeed reminiscent of Sharon's visit, some two years ago, to Al-Aqsa Mosque, which triggered the present Intifada. Such irresponsible acts generate extremism and weaken the drive for peace.
It is the responsibility of Washington to put an end to such Israeli acts.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
