Monday, August13, 2001 General Strike in Palestine

Businesses remained closed around Palestine Monday as the Palestinian Authority (PA) called for a statewide general strike. Protesting the recent Israeli seizure of their headquarters, the Orient House in East Jerusalem, the PA hoped to draw further national and international attention. The PA is calling for an immediate departure by occupying Israeli forces and for the formation of an international team of observers to monitor the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Sharp international criticism of the Israeli takeover of Orient House preceded the formal strike. The international community agreed that targeting the Orient House was an obvious attempt to demoralize and discourage the Palestinian people. The Israelis argued that the takeover of Orient House was a reasonable response to the increasing number of 'terrorist' acts in Israel, including a recent Palestinian fringe-group suicide-bombing tragedy in Jerusalem.

Although they have little effect on Israel financially, the PA often calls national strikes to increase solidarity and support among the people. Strikes have become a non-violent symbol of Palestinian unity and resistance to the Israeli occupation.

During the strike the streets of Bethlehem were strangely quiet. Shops, restaurants, public offices and other businesses declined to open their doors in accord with the PA's general strike request. What otherwise would have been a lively morning market day instead became a solitary walk on an empty stone street, since few residents had reason to leave their homes.