Ushani Agalawatta

JERUSALEM – "This plan is good for Israel in any future scenario," Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said of the Gaza pullout. And it may not be as good for Palestinians as it seems. Israel’s disengagement from Gaza is a historic twist in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. It may seem like a step forward in this … Continue reading “Disengagement May Be a Disappointment”

JERUSALEM – A growing number of Palestinians are beginning to believe that Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip will not mean the end of occupation. "The Gaza Strip will still be occupied territory under international law," says Renad Qubbaj of the Palestinian NGO Network, based in Ramallah in the West Bank. "After implementation of the … Continue reading “Gaza Will Be ‘Vacated but Still Occupied’”

NABLUS, West Bank – "Before the 2000 Al-Aqsa Intifadah I was very optimistic. I was ambitious and strong, but now I do not feel strong any more. We are all frustrated in our small prison," says Sawsan Aishe, a 24-year-old graduate from An Najah National University in Nablus in the West Bank. The West Bank … Continue reading “Where Homeland Means Humiliation”