Palestinian parties condemn PA over UN vote withdrawal
Al JazeeraDec 23, 2022
Palestinian Teachers’ Strike Grows, Reflecting Deepening Crisis
Image copyright: Mahmoud Illean/AP Photo
The Facts
In one of the longest teachers’ strikes in recent memory, Palestinian public schools in the West Bank have been closed since Feb. 5 as teachers call for a pay raise from the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority (PA).
Teachers have also called for a democratically-elected union, but the PA has yet to accommodate the teachers' demands, fearing its rivals — like Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip — could use their movement against the PA's ruling Fatah party.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel should stop working with the corrupt, terror-supporting, and autocratic Palestinian Authority, as it has done nothing to advance peace in the Holy Land. PA leaders live cushy lives while their subjects in the West Bank continue to suffer economic austerity. Instead of supporting the Palestinians, the corrupt PA steals money and finances terrorism.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though there are plenty of Israeli commentators that call for ending Israel's relationship with the PA, in reality, the PA is an integral part of Israel's occupation and colonial endeavors. It is certainly true that the PA is corrupt and autocratic, but it is ultimately Israel that has propped it up. Indeed, Mahmoud Abbas is a collaborator against his own people, and it is no surprise that he will happily let Palestinians starve to ensure his position of power.