UN Vote Splits Palestinians: US Considers Them United, When Convenient
The New Arab dutifully covers the 'split' among Palestinian factions regarding a recent UN Security Council resolution. The Palestinian Authority ( according to the article ) welcomed the vote, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned it. This 'split' narrative conveniently overlooks decades of Western powers treating the PA as the singular, legitimate voice of all Palestinians, particularly when
the PA agrees to peace talks that serve Israeli interests (Exhibit A: Oslo Accords, 1993, which cemented Israeli occupation in all but name). Funny, isn't it? When the PA collaborates on 'security coordination' with Israel, or accepts aid tied to specific political outcomes, they are unequivocally the 'legitimate representatives.' But the moment a UN resolution is passed that falls short of true
justice, and parts of the Palestinian liberation movement reject it, suddenly we're treated to think pieces about the complex, fractured Palestinian identity. It raises questions about how many times the international community can offer 'solutions' that fail to end occupation before recognizing the 'split' isn't among Palestinians, but between an occupying power and a colonized people.