Q: What is happening around us? And how can we come to understand that, in one day, Palestinians killed eight of their brethren and injured scores more, raising doubts about the future of our people?

A: The killings and clashes taking place in Gaza and Khan Younis will occur repeatedly. A few weeks ago, a baby was burned to death as a result of its house being lit on fire during a clash between two families. Before that, some people clashed with members of one of the security branches. During this clash, the war-like shooting frightened civilians; the deployment of troops and ensuing armed solidarity marches also made people alarmed.

Q: What are the causes and motives behind such events? There must be a link between these individual events, which seem to have become a phenomenon.

A: There are a number of reasons that combine with other social traits, and the political and economic conditions. Palestinian society is still tribal in nature. This makes individuals cling to the tribe or clan as the lone defender of their lives, properties, and immediate families. At the time of its establishment, the Palestinian Authority (PA) had a chance to transform our society from the tribal state to the citizenship state. This could have happened had it implemented the rule of law and respected human rights. But the opportunity was missed due to the stubbornness of some, the power of others, and the reliance on the tribe for power. In addition, the local tribal map was used to achieve political and personal gains. Many of us encouraged this by resorting to "connections" and keeping silent about injustice.

Q: That is one reason. Are there others that help us understand this phenomenon?

A: On the political level, the eruption of the Intifada was an expression of a state of extreme anger against the occupation. Joining the resistance was a means to defend the homeland and liberate the people and individuals. The sudden, immediate cease-fire without achieving the proclaimed national goals led to more disappointment and anger. If we take into consideration that the Palestinian people as a whole are striving for freedom and feel betrayed by the Oslo Accords, then the cease-fire is considered a fulfillment of Israel's wishes, which will lead to more humiliation. Inconsequence Israeli targets having been forbidden, the violence turned inward

Q: These are important points. Are there others?

A: Yes! The economic situation is exerting great pressure on people's livelihood and psyche. The man that is unable to provide for his children is an angry, vengeful one. All he needs is an outlet for his anger and vengeance.

Q: Is danger taking root?

A: Yes! In such a catastrophic situation, danger takes root; and fear, panic, killing, and tribal militias spread, especially since arms are within reach of anyone who wants them.

Q: But what are the causes for the phenomenon of arms?

A: There is a very influential reason for this phenomenon, especially on children. Over the course of the generations under the occupation, Israelis were visible to all as the symbol of power, carrying guns and subduing the helpless father, who could not protect their children. This is what children talked about after witnessing the death of Mohammad Al-Durra. They wanted their fathers to obtains guns and asked them, "how will you protect me when you do not have a gun?" Therefore, the symbol of heroism for children and youth is the man who holds a gun and shoots.

Q: This is incredible, What should we do? What is the remedy?

A: We have to understand that we are coming upon seven harsh years, which will not see any significant political development for Palestinians. Sharon's strategy is not to sit on the negotiating table and make Palestinians' lives as miserable as possible. Then comes separating Gaza from the West Bank. The final plan of the "Sharon Solution" is to administer the West Bank in partnership with Jordan, declare the Gaza Strip a Palestinian State with limited sovereignty, and forget about the refugee issue and the right of return. Our understanding of these issues puts our minds in front of a big challenge to innovate ways of dealing with this tyranny and arrogance of power.

Q: What should we do?

A: First of all, we must rebuild our economic infrastructure and open the door for exports in order for our people to survive. Then we must enlist international support for one of the most just causes of our time.

Q: How can we do that with Zionist propoganda dominating for generations?

A: A fundamental change has taken place among people with regards to the Palestinian issue. We have to reap the benefits of this change and maintain the momentum in order for the whole world to see the true victim in this conflict.

Q: How can we do that?

A: First, we must stop those unfit to represent us from making public statements. It is pathetic that there are some officials who do not understand Western mind and do not speak international languages. All they do is regurgitate empty slogans void of content for the listener to contemplate. We have to choose representatives who tell the truth and are capable of addressing people's minds.

Secondly, we must concentrate our discussions, statements, and lectures on the racist nature of the Israeli occupation. This is not an infringement on the truth as we have thousands of human stories proving this fact. We must call for the end of the occupation and achieving our freedom all the time. We cannot limit our demands to implementing the Mitchell Report or asking for an international protection force. . We must stop asking to go back to the negotiating table; and, instead, ask to end the occupation. This should apply to officials and intellectuals who meet with Israelis. We have to ask for the end of the occupation and the dismantling of settlements before going back to the negotiating table.

Third, true heroism is to maintain the higher moral ground and resisting the urge to fall back to violent reactions against civilians in Israel. These acts harm us more than they benefit us. We have to stop showcasing our weapons. On the contrary, I support collecting all weapons from people, except the Police. In front of the whole world, we can collect these weapons and proclaim publicly to the international community that we do not want weapons. We want our land and freedom. This will tip the balance in our favor and make the world open its eyes on the true face of this conflict.

Q: What about internal issues?

A: The Palestinian home has faced multiple-faced difficult crises since the uprooting, continuing with the occupation, and oppressive Israeli policies. The first Intifada was a great example of the people's will to take the initiative and present their just case. However, the last few years of that Intifada deteriorated due to militia's taking charge of it. The Oslo Accords came to give the power the upper hand over justice. What followed Oslo was transgressions on the law and public property by powerful people which increased the frustration and bitterness.

The current Intifada came as an expression against this state of things. It was a call for everyone, including the PA, to reorder Palestinian affairs and ensure people's rights and the respect of law, which is the source of the people's power. The Intifada was a call for saying the truth, holding transgressors and abusers accountable, and doing what is right. To this end, there is no option except democratic building and holding elections on all levels to bring about a new leadership to fill the people's needs and aspirations.

Q: What about Israel? Will it leave us alone?

A: Sharonic Israel has clear objectives. We have to penetrate the Israeli front by joining hands with the advocates of justice, peace, and human rights in Israel. We also have to continue peaceful resistance against the occupation, and call the people of the world to consolidate the economic boycott against Israel. In three years, this will have dangerous effects on Israel. This can be achieved easily if attacks against civilians are stopped, and if we maintain the higher moral ground that is armed with justice against tyranny. The world is ready more than anytime in the past to support us and pressure Israel, in very much the same way it destroyed apartheid in South Africa through boycott and embargo.

The lawsuit against Sharon in Belgium is a great example of what the world can do to support justice. In addition, the campaign of human rights activists against the Israeli ambassador to Denmark, who is a former head of Israel's secret security service, is another example. Millions of friends worldwide can rally to support our just cause. But the issue begins with us.

Q: What you are saying is a call for us to think. As you said success rests on us first.