Cassie's+Editorial

Editorial on the West Bank Wall by Cassandra Ferrara Opposition to the West Bank Barrier In construction right now is the West Bank Wall, a "fence" being built allegedly to create peace between Israel and Palestine. However, no peace is being achieved. In fact, violence within the walls is increasing as more and more Palestinians realize the injustice being thrust upon them. Palestinians are being ripped from their families, jobs, and farms so this counterproductive wall can be finished. Since it is illegal and immoral, the only way to achieve peace is to tear down the wall. It is believed that building this wall will leave thousands of Palestinians living in the largest prison in the world. Land will be taken from the people, including land that they farm, live off, and sell from. Villages will be split in two. Only Jerusalem is being built around, but smaller villages are not being recognized. It is inhumane to rip these people away from homes that are rightfully theirs just so Israelis can extend its borders. It is also being argued that the West Bank Wall is decreasing violence. However, the opposite is true. Palestinians are rioting in the walls, lashing out any way they can against this injustice. The wall will not prevent suicide bombers or any other outside attacks, as it has shown so far. Palestinians were also promised compensation, none of which has been provided. This mistreatment and lack of payment will only end up increasing the violent nature of the Palestinian people. Former US President George W. Bush believes the wall to be a problem. He has held conferences with Ariel Sharon, reasoning that it will be hard to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians with a controversial wall dividing them. These two states need to find a real solution to their disagreements instead of separating themselves like schoolchildren. One option is the one-state plan, which would attempt to merge the two states. While this would be difficult at first, it could grow to be the solution these people have been waiting for. In conclusion, building a barrier will not solve any problems for the Israelis and Palestinians. It is illegal, costly, and most importantly, immoral. It will throw the whole Palestinian population into irrevocable disarray and leave them with few resources such as water and food, and also with limited job resources. It is simply not logical to continue building a structure that is causing so much destruction around it. With the help of Israel, Palestine, and surrounding countries, alternatives to the barrier can be achieved.