The crux of Palestinian frustration is the failure of Oslo to ensure the realisation of their internationally recognised rights. Israel consistently failed to adequately implement many of its commitments, while increasing settlement construction and intensifying efforts to Judaise Jerusalem. The most disturbing aspect of the Israeli public smear campaign against the Palestinian uprising has been its attack on Palestinian women, who have been accused of urging their children on to death. The image is constructed to dehumanise and demonise Palestinian women, and fits into the broader propaganda campaign to portray the Palestinians as irrational, obstinate, vindictive and simply, inhuman. The fact is that Palestinian mothers are indeed human, and like all mothers, do not wish to see their children murdered.
Palestinian mothers grieve over the loss of their children.
They grieve even harder when they have to witness their child bleeding to death or lying stiff with a bullet in his head. How these women express their grief is not entirely important. Finding consolation in the idea that their child is safe in a better world, that he died for a cause, or even that his blood may be redeemed with the blood of the enemy may ease the pain for some, but can never fill the empty space in their home, or heal the gaping wound in their heart. In recent weeks, hundreds of Palestinian women have had to absorb the loss of children, brothers and fathers. The emotional and psychological trauma of this will carry with it effects well into the future.