August 3, 2005
On the Gaza Withdrawal

We should thank Rep. Michael Capuano for joining 100 members of Congress (including 7 of the Bay State's 10 reps) in voting for peace in last week's congressional debate on Mideast aid. This vote reflects an understanding that both American and Israeli interests are best served by supporting Palestinian moderates. In the case of last week's vote, this meant trying to give the President approval to administer an agreed-on aid amount to the Palestinian Authority on a schedule he determines will be most effective.

Especially this month when the Gaza Strip will be put under Palestinian control, it is critical for the U.S. and the international community at large to help with funds that can be used to bolster the Palestinian moderates who are supporting a just peace. Furthermore, if the international community is serious about peace, it is time to initiate an economic recovery plan that will allow Palestinians to develop the necessary resources and infrastructure that will reduce dependency on the Israeli job market, allow for sustainable development, and plant the seeds for cooperation.

More specifically to the Gaza withdrawal, the US along with the quartet needs to be willing to be involved actively even if it means sending forces to secure the borders, prevent the smuggling of weapons, etc. in line with an agreed upon mode of operation between the two sides.

While the costs for peace may not be cheap, the costs for war are outrageous—both in terms of human lives and material costs. In the last few months, there has been talk amongst Israeli and Palestinian peace activists of the possibility for a third Intifada. In many ways, the choice is in all of our hands.

Michelle Gawerc, Somerville, MA