Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Where We Stand
Unilateral Withdrawal
May 3, 2004Lasting peace and reconciliation are possible only through a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. The proposed withdrawal from the Gaza Strip put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon can contribute to that, but only if it is carried out in such a way as not to jeopardize possible future negotiations, namely:
- The timetable and process of withdrawal must be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority to ensure an orderly transition and prevent the collapse of civil society and the economy.
- It must include all Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.
- It cannot be linked to U.S. approval of the current route of the security barrier, to U.S. recognition of the permanence, or to legitimacy of the settlements remaining on the Israeli side of the security barrier.