This chapter presents an article, originally published in Haaretz, that discusses the illusion of Palestinian soveriegnty. The article argues that the Israeli military's incursions into the West Bank's Area A and even Area B destroy the illusion of Palestinian sovereignty. It is a virtual sovereignty, fragmented and curtailed. Therefore, it is an illusion—but an illusion that works. The strength of the delusion of sovereignty can be seen in the way East Jerusalem residents, and even Palestinian citizens of Israel, often travel to West Bank enclaves and feel a sense of relief. In these enclosures, which are free of any army presence, they get a break from routine Israeli racism and vulgarity. This temporary feeling of rest and relief is only strengthened by the necessary return to Israel via an intimidating path of walls, barbed-wire fences, pointed rifles, threatening policemen and soldiers, and deluxe, verdant suburbs for Jews only.
Prevalence of distress and associated factors among Palestinian university students living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem: a cross-sectional study