Gaza–“You came too late Moussa: We are as good as dead,” shouted Kamal Abu Nada, director of one of the biggest civil foundations in Palestine and prominent activist, waving a flyer bearing the photo of three dead children. Abu Nada reflected the reaction of scores of Palestinians towards a visit to the Gaza Strip by Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
Gazans had been waiting for salvation in the form of Moussa’s arrival, but were disappointed. Abu Nada, who went stand in front of the Comodore Hotel in Gaza two days ago when Moussa was holding a press conference, said, “Moussa arrived after long years of delay. We were expecting more from him, but all he gave us was pledges and slogans.
“He could have turned himself into a nationalist Arab hero if he had stayed in the enclave or opened up a branch for the Arab League here. But he arrived late and failed to provide anything at all.”
Those on the streets of Gaza were even more indignant about Moussa’s visit and its outcome. One young Palestinian, Mohamed Gaber Hassouna, called Moussa’s statements “vacuous”.
“Neither Moussa nor his predecessors brought anything new. They left us alone,” said Hassouna. An enthusiastic supporter of Hamas’ policies, Hassouna criticized Moussa’s non-attendance of government meetings during his visit.
Hassan Abu Hashish, head of Hamas’ media bureau, said on the other hand he believed the visit to be historic and important, and that it was vital to utilize the recent attack on the aid flotilla through all means. The Hamas government, said Abu Hashish, had continued business as usual, not making any special preparations ahead of Moussa’s arrival, since it had been agreed that the Arab League secretary general’s visit should be free of any formalities.
Moussa was invited to Gaza by Ismail Haniyya, Hamas’ prime minister, by telephone on Monday. Abu Hashish said the invitation was not the first of its kind, and that Moussa had refused previous requests for visits due to regional and international considerations related to granting legitimacy to either of the Palestinian factions.
Nagy Sharab, professor of political science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, believes Moussa’s visit to be of unique importance. He expressed his disappointment at the negative reactions, and described Moussa’s arrival as a declaration that the Strip will not be left alone.
“We should not wish for miracles, as Moussa doesn’t have a magician’s stick that can change the conditions–it is not up to him,” said Sharab. “Gazans are really frustrated and expected a lot from this visit, but Moussa’s abilities have their limits.”
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
