Nick Rahall: “we have all seen recent news reports of renewed confrontations between Palestinians and the Israelis. This violence is…”

“we have all seen recent news reports of renewed confrontations between Palestinians and the Israelis. This violence is deeply troubling and cannot be condoned. It is all the more worrisome because the deadline for concluding a Final Status Agreement is quickly approaching. I think it is fair to say that we all hoped the days of such confrontation had passed. Israel's legitimate interests in stopping terrorism and achieving security are well understood and strongly supported in Washington. Sources of Palestinian frustration, however, are less well known. The Palestinian aggravation that boiled over recently stems from their view that seven years of peace negotiations have produced few tangible improvements in the lives of Palestinians. For example, Mr. Speaker, Palestinians continue to see their land confiscated by Israel for the building of roads and Israeli settlements. This issue, among all others may be the most frustrating to Palestinians. Gaining control of their land is the Palestinian goal in peace negotiations. Watching land confiscations continue while negotiating deadlines pass undermines confidence among Palestinians that the peace process is worthwhile.”