Former PA Minister Hatem Abd Al-Qader: The Oslo Accords Were Catastrophic for the Palestinians, Who Must Seek Options Other Than Negotiations

Following are excerpts from an interview with Hatem Abd Al-Qader, former PA minister for Jerusalem affairs, which aired on Al-Alam TV on July 31, 2009.

Hatem Abd Al-Qader: Israel is approximately 61 years old now. How many years will it last? Eventually, Israel will withdraw. In the past, Jerusalem was subject to invasions, and it has been occupied for over 90 years. There are two promises – that of Allah and that of Balfour. They have Balfour’s promise, while we have the promise of Allah. This is not a problem for us. The struggle between us is a long one.

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Negotiations have not and will not achieve a thing. In my view, the greatest mistake made by the Palestinians was the Oslo Accords. The Oslo Accords were catastrophic for the Palestinian people in general, and for Jerusalem in particular. Since the Oslo Accords and to this day, the Judaization and settlement have increased by 1,700%. This clearly demonstrates that the political plan was a failure. I believe that the Palestinians must seek different options now, other than the option of negotiations. Negotiations will not lead to anything. The Israelis continue to view us as a defense issue, rather than a political issue. When Israel is ripe for a political solution, we may turn to negotiations. But for now, there is no point to negotiations, and we must seek other options.