New generation of disillusioned Palestinians drives unrest

A new generation of angry, disillusioned Palestinians is driving the current wave of clashes with Israeli forces. Too young to remember the hardships of life during Israel’s clampdown on the last major uprising, they have lost faith in statehood through negotiations, distrust their political leaders and believe Israel only understands force. Some young Palestinians even say they want to emulate those killed in attacks on Israelis — like Mohannad Halabi, the 19-year-old law student from the West Bank who stabbed to death two Israelis in a bloody rampage over the weekend.

The day after the attack, university students took to the streets and clashed with Israeli soldiers. Mohannad’s way is the only way to liberate Palestine.

Malik Hussein, a 19-year-old friend and fellow law student at Al-Quds University near Jerusalem.

Despite such fervor and a rise in violence, it’s not clear if conditions are ripe for a new uprising against the Israeli military occupation that began in 1967 when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem. The last revolt erupted in 2000 and ebbed after Mahmoud Abbas became president in 2005. Abbas, who called for ‘full recognition’ for Palestine at the UN last week, is trying to prevent an escalation that he believes will cost the Palestinians international sympathy.  His counterpart, Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu says he is ready to negotiate a partition deal with Abbas, but rejects internationally backed ground rules for such talks and continues to expand Jewish settlements on lands sought for a Palestinian state.

I think Netanyahu will have a hard time with them. Even we, the family, couldn’t tell Mohannad what to do.

Shafiq Halabi, Mohannad’s father.

Middle East Israel Palestinian