To the gazing tourist, Gaza is a city that offers everything. Golden beach, blue sea, and an alluring desert landscape. Tall, grand structures next to humble dwellings. The magic of the third world. A mixture of wealth and poverty; tradition and progress.
1:00:39 Today, Gaza resides at the eye of a blazing storm. A city of a million Palestinian refugees, who rage with a legitimate craving for an independent sovereign state of their own.
1:00:57 The peace process with Israel created a new, magnificent airport for Gaza; a symbol of the future Palestinian state. But today there are no passengers. No tourists. It is deserted, and the hope it once generated is shattered, replaced by despair. Only a short while ago, things seemed very different.
1:01:29 On November the 2nd, 1998, the Yasser Arafat International Palestinian airport in Gaza, was officially inaugurated. For the long-suffering Palestinian nation this event symbolized the answer of a new era. The end of a violent struggle from Israeli occupation, international recognition of the Palestinian right to self-determination and freedom, and above all, the possibility of normal lives, smiles and dreams...
1:01:57 Usually you like your first baby. This is why everyone likes Gaza airport... It's your first baby...
1:02:24 The happiest moment in my life, was when we landed in Gaza's airport, in a Palestinian aircraft, for the first time.
1:02:33 The birth pangs of the Palestinian airport were long and painful. The guest of honour at the opening ceremony, president Clinton, arrived by helicopter. The Israelis would not allow the presidential plane to land in Gaza. Still, the Palestinian sense of sovereignty was boosted. Signs posted everywhere cried, "today the airport in Gaza, tomorrow, Jerusalem, our eternal capital."
1:03:01 The airport plans were made in exile. Implementation began upon return from Tunisia. Each step had to be coordinated with the Israelis. Agreeing on a name took three months. It took nine months to concur on the direction of the runway. Even when construction been completed, another year went by before Israel permitted importing essential navigation equipment.
1:03:29 According to Israelis, delays were caused by security considerations. They feared the scenario of a Palestinian terrorist flying an airliner directly into the crowded centre of Tel-Aviv. Finally, the airport was inaugurated. A triumph for peaceful negotiations. Signing the Oslo agreement, Arafat adopted "the peace of the brave". Even he could not predict how much courage and compromise would be required on both sides.
1:04:01 Abeer watches the historic moment. The new airport has changed her life, bringing prosperity and opening dream-like possibilities. Today, she is an air stewardess of the Palestinian national airlines. The future looks bright and full of promise.
1:04:24 Of course, now we travel to a variety of countries. We fly to the gulf, to Jordan, to Egypt, to Cyprus, Turkey. But my ambition is to fly to more countries.
1:04:40 Why shouldn't we reach America, Canada, Britain? My ambition is to reach countries farther away. It's my life's dream.
1:04:58 Jamal is Air Palestine's chief pilot. As a child of the revolution, he was chosen long ago to bear the banner of the state-to-be.
1:05:06 I was born in October 1958, in the Jabbaliya refugee camp in Gaza. I studied in Cairo, and from there, I moved to Lebanon to work with the PLO. The PLO sent me to Yugoslavia for a military flight course.When I finished my studies in the Yugoslavian military flight academy, I completed the civilian flight course.All my studies on behalf of the PLO, were intended to erect a framework for civilian flight routes.
1:05:51 Jamal, Abeer and Nassar are excited today. Every new destination is like a child's first. And this child wishes to grow. They only have two propeller planes, one jet on the verge of retirement, and aspirations for one million passengers a year. They hope the Palestinian Airlines can open up the Gaza strip to the world.
1:06:16 Terminal interview - woman: When you see people... are travelling from here...they don't have any more... difficulties just they come here like any other airport.You're minimizing the hours of suffering.
- interview - man: We used to take Egypt Airlines, from Jedda to Egypt. And we used to travel eight hours, seven hours. This is much better... to take two hours.
Yaser Reqiq, Reservation Manager - interview: It's a dream, you know,an ambition. Not for me, for all Palestinians. To have an aircraft... at least one aircraft... To hold the flag of Palestine,and say, "this is the Palestinian airline".It's really a dream. It does not mean it's an airline. It's not an airline. No. It's our dream...
1:07:10 The terminal opens as part of a political deal with the Israelis. The Palestinians are once again required to delete the clauses calling for the eradication of Israel and Zionism from the Palestinian manifesto. A Gaza survey published soon after the opening of the terminal, showed 75 percent of the Palestinian public supporting the peace process, expecting it to boost their quality of life.
1:07:41 From Gaza to Amman, Jordan. We bought these flowers in the procedure opening. But if we get... In the future, maybe we'll a special openings for cargo, maybe we can export to Europe, United states, and other countries.
1:07:59 Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your attention and wish you a very pleasant flight with Palestinian Airlines. Thank you.
1:08:03 Palestinian one four one four, three three two one, this is the tower... Do you read me?
1:08:10 everything seems promising. A calm working routine settles in. Nothing foreshadows forthcoming events.
1:08:38 The peaceful summer of the year 2000 ends abruptly. The dream is transformed into a nightmare. Israel claims the Palestinians have failed to comply with signed agreements, refusing to prevent terror attacks originating in their territory, and stirring up hostility. Israel postpones its withdrawal from the West Bank, agreed upon in Washington. The main issues are control of Jerusalem, and the right of Palestinian refugees to return to lands within Israel's sovereign territory. The negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians reach a dead end, turning into a violent confrontation, the Intifada, or "awakening" in Arabic.
1:09:31 From a Palestinian propaganda broadcast The United States tries to intervene, but to no avail. Neither side will budge. Bitterness and frustration mount, playing directly into the hands of the Islamic extremists. Increasing their power, they embark upon a bloody campaign of terror, against civilians inside Israel. The Palestinian uprising spreads, claiming many casualties, most of them Palestinians.
1:10:03 Blood is not the only price of the Intifada. Israel's retribution includes closing down the international airport in Gaza. The planes are grounded. The halls stand empty. The dreamers wait on stand-by, watching their dreams go up in smoke...
1:10:19 What's happening to the airport? Every day they open it and close it down. Well, I have a flight next week. So there will be no flights? You can never know. Don't you expect it to be opened next week? Today we were at the Ashudha Square.There were kidney patients whom they would not let through (to Israel). They were sent back.
1:10:46 Only a land route, fully controlled by Israel, leads out of the Gaza strip now. The towns of the West Bank are closed off completely. The co-pilot, Abdel Nasser, tries to leave to Cairo, where his wife and children now live. He hasn't seen them in two months, and he misses his family.
1:11:08 Here comes the bus. -Is this bus coming or going? Coming. Those are going. They were sent back. Here he comes. Let's ask the driver. If you can, ask the driver himself. -Yes, of course. Were they sent back? -Yes. That is, they would not open the passage? -No. We'll be in touch. Let's go.
1:11:36 We'll be in touch. -Alright. Bon voyage. OK, driver, drive.
1:11:53 Dispirited and frustrated, Abdel Nasser returns to the air crew's flat. He will not see his family in the near future, nor will he land a plane in Jerusalem, as he had dreamed. Grounded against his will, he simulates real-life on the computer, and crashes right there on the screen.
1:12:12 No news yet. -There is no news, as far as we're concerned. The airport has been closed for two weeks now...
1:12:23 The Gaza strip is under closure. The economy is collapsing; the inhabitants are desperate; the numbers of dead and wounded rise every day. Jamal, the chief pilot, refuses to give up hope. He has too much to lose.
1:12:39 If we treat the future, based on what's happening today, that will be impossible. But we are talking about the future. About a fully sovereign Palestinian state, independent, with borders, an airport, a port. One that has a capital, Jerusalem.
1:13:08 Arafat's uprising movement, feel they have nothing to lose. They get together in local cafe's, and weave the future in colours of war.
1:13:21 Hussam, PLO youth movement: One has to create activities that will fall in with the spirit of the age. Of course. -Such as? Such as a military course for 18 year-olds. Arms training. Instead of sending them off to summer-camp.
1:13:42 The bells of peace can no longer be heard. Palestinian printers oil the wheels of the revolt 24 hours a day. Yasser Arafat discovers that popular support is leaking to the Islamic extremists. In an attempt to buttress his position, he frees leaders of the Islamic terror organization called Hamas, who had been imprisoned at Israel's request.
1:14:06 Do you want negotiations with Israel? -No. Do you want Jerusalem? -Yes. Do you want Jihad (holy war)? -Yes. Do you want to fight? -Yes. Do you want negotiations with Israel? -No. Do you want negotiations? -No. Do you want an intifada? -Yes. Do you want an Intifada? -Yes.
1:14:33 At the Gaza airport, the only rule is unpredictability. Today, an unexpected Israeli announcement may open the place for business.
1:14:47 For now, the airport is closed, and there is no news. The reports in the media, as if the airport and passage were open, are incorrect. You are in the airport, and you can see it's completely inoperative, and that the passage is closed.
1:15:21 The last two months, you know that I had flights.. maybe, one, two, three...five flights. Five flights. Two months. You know that? I'm human, I'm young, very young. I want to fly, I want to work, I want to go... to see everything, talk with everything...Without, unafraid...Airplane flights...maybe every day, every night, from other, other... O, my head...
1:16:01 Do you have the possibility to take the passenger... at ten four five.
1:16:12 The flights arrive. No time to lose. The Israelis might change their minds. The Palestinian check-in is quick; a mere prelude to the long and arduous procedure on the Israeli side. Passengers are taken by bus to the Israeli post, where they undergo a thorough security check. The entire process takes over an hour. Now the passengers may board the plane.
1:16:56 So this moment, all the scheduled flights have returned to normal, so this means that from this moment, the airport is reopened, and it will be operated in accordance with all the previous schedules.And I hope that this will be the last time where... the other side may take un... legal action to close the aerospace.
1:17:23 This is the second flight for this month... We don't fly a lot. This is really a problem. To be legal, to be a captain, you should have, minimum, 1500 hours... I have now just about 600. At this rate... But I think that this period... is for a short time.
1:17:51 Landing Abdel Nassers hope is soon shattered. Once again, he will not gain many hours of flight experience. After a brief episode of apparent normality, the airport closes down, as violence rises on both sides.
1:18:10 Provocation seems to be the name of this bloody game. General Arik Sharon decides to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, sacred to Arabs and Jews alike. The visit draws the Arab citizens of Israel into the confrontation. In the West Bank, gunfire became routine. The IDF constantly retaliates. Violence is on the rise. It's almost war, but neither side wishes to use the word as yet. Both are busy blaming each other for re-igniting the blaze. No hope for change appears on the horizon. the Gaza strip is now divided into three separate areas. Tanks and helicopters patrol continuously. But gunfire aimed at Israeli civilian settlements continues. Islamic terrorists infiltrate the lines, spreading havoc and fear in Israeli cities.
1:19:08 Allah bestowed upon me the honour of becoming a member of the Az-Adin El-Kassam suicide brigade and to participate in the Jihad (holy war) and the resistance.
1:19:11 Shayid tape (cont.)This man is a living bomb. Hje blew himself up with a powerful pack of explosives in a train station, in the Israeli city of Nahariya. Before leaving on his suicide mission, he was videotaped by his Hamas commanders.
1:19:36 From a Palestinian propaganda broadcast Suicide terror is considered legitimate in some parts of the Arab world. Such terrorism is a major component of the Palestinian struggle against Israel. And it knows no bounds. Crossing all boundaries and targeting all regimes, it has struck at the very heart of the West. An indescribably hard lesson to those who had felt so safe and removed from its threat. Islamic terrorism knows no limits. Sometimes, it is even aimed at its Palestinian brethren who seem too moderate. Thus, extremists burn down a high-class hotel in Gaza. Nasar, the owner, describes the disaster to his friend Jamal, the airline captain.
1:20:26 They plundered the place before setting it on fire. -That too? Yes. They stole the money, they stole the guests' suitcases. They stole the guests' passports. They stole everything. They went into the kitchen and ate. They ate and drank, and then they burned. Is this Islam? Is this what Allah willed?
1:20:55 Terror attack in Jerusalem An unending series of terrorist attacks dramatically alters public opinion in Israel. Previously, a vast majority supported, and believed in, the peace process. Now, Israelis no longer trust the Palestinian partners. The change of political mood brings Arik Sharon to power. Promising security, he proves unable to fulfil his promise. Political negotiation is no longer an option. The war of attrition goes on. Here, Palestinian crops are destroyed, to open free, safe access to Israeli settlements. Captain Jamal, once thought that violence and war would pass him by. Now, he finds himself at the eye of the confrontation.
1:21:39 I ask, who is responsible for every attack which takes place in Israel?In this area there are some 60 or 70 families. We're talking about 200-300 people who now have no source of income. If tomorrow a terror attack will take place in Israel, or one of them will go and kill himself, who will be responsible? Whoever remains without a roof, without food and water, his children are like orphans. They have no income. I want the people of Israel to understand this. The actions of the Israeli army, will be paid for tomorrow by the Israeli people.
1:22:16 Gaza at night Evening changes the face of Gaza. The bustling colourful streets are suddenly silent, and empty. The Palestinian Airlines crew has just learned that tomorrow they are flying to Mecca. They want to celebrate, but where? In the few places that remain open, the atmosphere of horror and despair makes merriment impossible. They walk in and out of cafes, looking for a peaceful haven which just isn't there any more.
1:22:53 You know what, Nasser? It will be best if we go home. The atmosphere is not adequate, right? Places are open but empty. The situation in town is really bad. -Yes, we won't be able to have fun. We'll do it some other day. -We better go home and watch the news. See why the people are sad. Must be bad news. The town's deserted. Did you notice? There were five people killed. I couldn't stay out late any way. I have a flight tomorrow, and I have to get up early. Where to? -Jeddah. -I'm flying to Amman tomorrow. -Yes, you too. I wish they'll open the airport and everything will be alright. The airport is supposed to be opened tomorrow. -Yes, that's right. I have a feeling it will stay closed. No, I hope it will open tomorrow. I have a feeling it won't. -Me too. I hope you will be proven wrong. -They are playing with us... I'm optimistic. -Allah willing. -Allah willing. It's not good, sitting around, doing nothing.
1:24:03 Airport The Gaza airport is closed for commercial flights. Israel is, however, inclined to permit flights of pilgrims to Mecca, an important event in the life of every faithful Muslim. But another terrorist attack takes place in Israel, and the long-awaited pilgrimage flights may be cancelled.
1:24:26 Since when are you here? -Seven in the morning, yesterday.We stayed awake there for a whole night, and then we came here. Did you come alone? And we are not prepared for sleeping here. This is not a civilized sight. This is an uncivilized act on the part of Israel. Closing the airport. If it is hit, it shouldn't avenge itself on the weak.It's the easiest thing for it, closing the airport. This sitting. There are sick and elderly people who cannot sit on the floor for two or three days, as you can see, in an inhuman way. Is there any chance of you flying? -There are negotiations. We are in the same situation. Waiting for the OK.When? When will we fly? For now, it is unknown. Maybe in half an hour.
1:25:09 I wanted to fly today, even though everyone said it's dangerous. But you're tired of sitting here... -Do you want it so? -Very much. It's an adventure. -An adventure. There is one god, and you love once.
1:25:39 What's going on? -Seems they're being taken to the passage. To El-Arish or to the airport? To the passage and from there to El-Arish. Hello, captain. They told the passengers they're being taken to the border passage and from there to El-Arish. They told the passengers they're being taken to El-Arish, to continue to Jedda from there. So we're going to El-Arish? -Allah willing. -Allah willing.
1:26:13 Leaving terminal in the end, the passengers and crew travel by bus, to take off from El Arish in Egypt. After four years of activity, peace agreements and near-sovereignty, Palestinian Airlines return to the facility that had been their host before they had an airport of their own.As things appear at the moment, the Gaza international airport will remain deserted for a long time. But beyond the airport, new and violent winds of war threaten to drown the entire Western world in blood and fire. Wings that embody the relationship between East and West, the contrast between fanatic terrorism and a legitimate struggle. The fragile line that distinguishes an innocent airliner from an airborne instrument of hell, and a collapsing peace process from chaos.
1:27:05 Soldier If the middle east is always full of surprises, the struggle may escalate into full-scale regional war, but the return to negotiations is just as likely. As they say in this part of the world, everything is in the hands of Allah.
1:27:32 The crew of Palestinian Airlines has scattered to the corners of the earth. Jamal Mohammad, the senior pilot, will soon emigrate to Australia. He wants to enjoy a quiet, peaceful life, on a new continent, where flying an airplane from one place to another, is a routine, everyday affair. Abdel Nasar, the co-pilot, has settled in Florida, where he is now completing the quota of flight hours required for his license to a better future. Abeer Dayyuk, the stewardess, is still in Gaza, waiting for her dreams to come true. And one thing is certain. If she ever flies again as an airline hostess, she will also have an independent state.
1:00:39 Today, Gaza resides at the eye of a blazing storm. A city of a million Palestinian refugees, who rage with a legitimate craving for an independent sovereign state of their own.
1:00:57 The peace process with Israel created a new, magnificent airport for Gaza; a symbol of the future Palestinian state. But today there are no passengers. No tourists. It is deserted, and the hope it once generated is shattered, replaced by despair. Only a short while ago, things seemed very different.
1:01:29 On November the 2nd, 1998, the Yasser Arafat International Palestinian airport in Gaza, was officially inaugurated. For the long-suffering Palestinian nation this event symbolized the answer of a new era. The end of a violent struggle from Israeli occupation, international recognition of the Palestinian right to self-determination and freedom, and above all, the possibility of normal lives, smiles and dreams...
1:01:57 Usually you like your first baby. This is why everyone likes Gaza airport... It's your first baby...
1:02:24 The happiest moment in my life, was when we landed in Gaza's airport, in a Palestinian aircraft, for the first time.
1:02:33 The birth pangs of the Palestinian airport were long and painful. The guest of honour at the opening ceremony, president Clinton, arrived by helicopter. The Israelis would not allow the presidential plane to land in Gaza. Still, the Palestinian sense of sovereignty was boosted. Signs posted everywhere cried, "today the airport in Gaza, tomorrow, Jerusalem, our eternal capital."
1:03:01 The airport plans were made in exile. Implementation began upon return from Tunisia. Each step had to be coordinated with the Israelis. Agreeing on a name took three months. It took nine months to concur on the direction of the runway. Even when construction been completed, another year went by before Israel permitted importing essential navigation equipment.
1:03:29 According to Israelis, delays were caused by security considerations. They feared the scenario of a Palestinian terrorist flying an airliner directly into the crowded centre of Tel-Aviv. Finally, the airport was inaugurated. A triumph for peaceful negotiations. Signing the Oslo agreement, Arafat adopted "the peace of the brave". Even he could not predict how much courage and compromise would be required on both sides.
1:04:01 Abeer watches the historic moment. The new airport has changed her life, bringing prosperity and opening dream-like possibilities. Today, she is an air stewardess of the Palestinian national airlines. The future looks bright and full of promise.
1:04:24 Of course, now we travel to a variety of countries. We fly to the gulf, to Jordan, to Egypt, to Cyprus, Turkey. But my ambition is to fly to more countries.
1:04:40 Why shouldn't we reach America, Canada, Britain? My ambition is to reach countries farther away. It's my life's dream.
1:04:58 Jamal is Air Palestine's chief pilot. As a child of the revolution, he was chosen long ago to bear the banner of the state-to-be.
1:05:06 I was born in October 1958, in the Jabbaliya refugee camp in Gaza. I studied in Cairo, and from there, I moved to Lebanon to work with the PLO. The PLO sent me to Yugoslavia for a military flight course.When I finished my studies in the Yugoslavian military flight academy, I completed the civilian flight course.All my studies on behalf of the PLO, were intended to erect a framework for civilian flight routes.
1:05:51 Jamal, Abeer and Nassar are excited today. Every new destination is like a child's first. And this child wishes to grow. They only have two propeller planes, one jet on the verge of retirement, and aspirations for one million passengers a year. They hope the Palestinian Airlines can open up the Gaza strip to the world.
1:06:16 Terminal interview - woman: When you see people... are travelling from here...they don't have any more... difficulties just they come here like any other airport.You're minimizing the hours of suffering.
- interview - man: We used to take Egypt Airlines, from Jedda to Egypt. And we used to travel eight hours, seven hours. This is much better... to take two hours.
Yaser Reqiq, Reservation Manager - interview: It's a dream, you know,an ambition. Not for me, for all Palestinians. To have an aircraft... at least one aircraft... To hold the flag of Palestine,and say, "this is the Palestinian airline".It's really a dream. It does not mean it's an airline. It's not an airline. No. It's our dream...
1:07:10 The terminal opens as part of a political deal with the Israelis. The Palestinians are once again required to delete the clauses calling for the eradication of Israel and Zionism from the Palestinian manifesto. A Gaza survey published soon after the opening of the terminal, showed 75 percent of the Palestinian public supporting the peace process, expecting it to boost their quality of life.
1:07:41 From Gaza to Amman, Jordan. We bought these flowers in the procedure opening. But if we get... In the future, maybe we'll a special openings for cargo, maybe we can export to Europe, United states, and other countries.
1:07:59 Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your attention and wish you a very pleasant flight with Palestinian Airlines. Thank you.
1:08:03 Palestinian one four one four, three three two one, this is the tower... Do you read me?
1:08:10 everything seems promising. A calm working routine settles in. Nothing foreshadows forthcoming events.
1:08:38 The peaceful summer of the year 2000 ends abruptly. The dream is transformed into a nightmare. Israel claims the Palestinians have failed to comply with signed agreements, refusing to prevent terror attacks originating in their territory, and stirring up hostility. Israel postpones its withdrawal from the West Bank, agreed upon in Washington. The main issues are control of Jerusalem, and the right of Palestinian refugees to return to lands within Israel's sovereign territory. The negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians reach a dead end, turning into a violent confrontation, the Intifada, or "awakening" in Arabic.
1:09:31 From a Palestinian propaganda broadcast The United States tries to intervene, but to no avail. Neither side will budge. Bitterness and frustration mount, playing directly into the hands of the Islamic extremists. Increasing their power, they embark upon a bloody campaign of terror, against civilians inside Israel. The Palestinian uprising spreads, claiming many casualties, most of them Palestinians.
1:10:03 Blood is not the only price of the Intifada. Israel's retribution includes closing down the international airport in Gaza. The planes are grounded. The halls stand empty. The dreamers wait on stand-by, watching their dreams go up in smoke...
1:10:19 What's happening to the airport? Every day they open it and close it down. Well, I have a flight next week. So there will be no flights? You can never know. Don't you expect it to be opened next week? Today we were at the Ashudha Square.There were kidney patients whom they would not let through (to Israel). They were sent back.
1:10:46 Only a land route, fully controlled by Israel, leads out of the Gaza strip now. The towns of the West Bank are closed off completely. The co-pilot, Abdel Nasser, tries to leave to Cairo, where his wife and children now live. He hasn't seen them in two months, and he misses his family.
1:11:08 Here comes the bus. -Is this bus coming or going? Coming. Those are going. They were sent back. Here he comes. Let's ask the driver. If you can, ask the driver himself. -Yes, of course. Were they sent back? -Yes. That is, they would not open the passage? -No. We'll be in touch. Let's go.
1:11:36 We'll be in touch. -Alright. Bon voyage. OK, driver, drive.
1:11:53 Dispirited and frustrated, Abdel Nasser returns to the air crew's flat. He will not see his family in the near future, nor will he land a plane in Jerusalem, as he had dreamed. Grounded against his will, he simulates real-life on the computer, and crashes right there on the screen.
1:12:12 No news yet. -There is no news, as far as we're concerned. The airport has been closed for two weeks now...
1:12:23 The Gaza strip is under closure. The economy is collapsing; the inhabitants are desperate; the numbers of dead and wounded rise every day. Jamal, the chief pilot, refuses to give up hope. He has too much to lose.
1:12:39 If we treat the future, based on what's happening today, that will be impossible. But we are talking about the future. About a fully sovereign Palestinian state, independent, with borders, an airport, a port. One that has a capital, Jerusalem.
1:13:08 Arafat's uprising movement, feel they have nothing to lose. They get together in local cafe's, and weave the future in colours of war.
1:13:21 Hussam, PLO youth movement: One has to create activities that will fall in with the spirit of the age. Of course. -Such as? Such as a military course for 18 year-olds. Arms training. Instead of sending them off to summer-camp.
1:13:42 The bells of peace can no longer be heard. Palestinian printers oil the wheels of the revolt 24 hours a day. Yasser Arafat discovers that popular support is leaking to the Islamic extremists. In an attempt to buttress his position, he frees leaders of the Islamic terror organization called Hamas, who had been imprisoned at Israel's request.
1:14:06 Do you want negotiations with Israel? -No. Do you want Jerusalem? -Yes. Do you want Jihad (holy war)? -Yes. Do you want to fight? -Yes. Do you want negotiations with Israel? -No. Do you want negotiations? -No. Do you want an intifada? -Yes. Do you want an Intifada? -Yes.
1:14:33 At the Gaza airport, the only rule is unpredictability. Today, an unexpected Israeli announcement may open the place for business.
1:14:47 For now, the airport is closed, and there is no news. The reports in the media, as if the airport and passage were open, are incorrect. You are in the airport, and you can see it's completely inoperative, and that the passage is closed.
1:15:21 The last two months, you know that I had flights.. maybe, one, two, three...five flights. Five flights. Two months. You know that? I'm human, I'm young, very young. I want to fly, I want to work, I want to go... to see everything, talk with everything...Without, unafraid...Airplane flights...maybe every day, every night, from other, other... O, my head...
1:16:01 Do you have the possibility to take the passenger... at ten four five.
1:16:12 The flights arrive. No time to lose. The Israelis might change their minds. The Palestinian check-in is quick; a mere prelude to the long and arduous procedure on the Israeli side. Passengers are taken by bus to the Israeli post, where they undergo a thorough security check. The entire process takes over an hour. Now the passengers may board the plane.
1:16:56 So this moment, all the scheduled flights have returned to normal, so this means that from this moment, the airport is reopened, and it will be operated in accordance with all the previous schedules.And I hope that this will be the last time where... the other side may take un... legal action to close the aerospace.
1:17:23 This is the second flight for this month... We don't fly a lot. This is really a problem. To be legal, to be a captain, you should have, minimum, 1500 hours... I have now just about 600. At this rate... But I think that this period... is for a short time.
1:17:51 Landing Abdel Nassers hope is soon shattered. Once again, he will not gain many hours of flight experience. After a brief episode of apparent normality, the airport closes down, as violence rises on both sides.
1:18:10 Provocation seems to be the name of this bloody game. General Arik Sharon decides to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, sacred to Arabs and Jews alike. The visit draws the Arab citizens of Israel into the confrontation. In the West Bank, gunfire became routine. The IDF constantly retaliates. Violence is on the rise. It's almost war, but neither side wishes to use the word as yet. Both are busy blaming each other for re-igniting the blaze. No hope for change appears on the horizon. the Gaza strip is now divided into three separate areas. Tanks and helicopters patrol continuously. But gunfire aimed at Israeli civilian settlements continues. Islamic terrorists infiltrate the lines, spreading havoc and fear in Israeli cities.
1:19:08 Allah bestowed upon me the honour of becoming a member of the Az-Adin El-Kassam suicide brigade and to participate in the Jihad (holy war) and the resistance.
1:19:11 Shayid tape (cont.)This man is a living bomb. Hje blew himself up with a powerful pack of explosives in a train station, in the Israeli city of Nahariya. Before leaving on his suicide mission, he was videotaped by his Hamas commanders.
1:19:36 From a Palestinian propaganda broadcast Suicide terror is considered legitimate in some parts of the Arab world. Such terrorism is a major component of the Palestinian struggle against Israel. And it knows no bounds. Crossing all boundaries and targeting all regimes, it has struck at the very heart of the West. An indescribably hard lesson to those who had felt so safe and removed from its threat. Islamic terrorism knows no limits. Sometimes, it is even aimed at its Palestinian brethren who seem too moderate. Thus, extremists burn down a high-class hotel in Gaza. Nasar, the owner, describes the disaster to his friend Jamal, the airline captain.
1:20:26 They plundered the place before setting it on fire. -That too? Yes. They stole the money, they stole the guests' suitcases. They stole the guests' passports. They stole everything. They went into the kitchen and ate. They ate and drank, and then they burned. Is this Islam? Is this what Allah willed?
1:20:55 Terror attack in Jerusalem An unending series of terrorist attacks dramatically alters public opinion in Israel. Previously, a vast majority supported, and believed in, the peace process. Now, Israelis no longer trust the Palestinian partners. The change of political mood brings Arik Sharon to power. Promising security, he proves unable to fulfil his promise. Political negotiation is no longer an option. The war of attrition goes on. Here, Palestinian crops are destroyed, to open free, safe access to Israeli settlements. Captain Jamal, once thought that violence and war would pass him by. Now, he finds himself at the eye of the confrontation.
1:21:39 I ask, who is responsible for every attack which takes place in Israel?In this area there are some 60 or 70 families. We're talking about 200-300 people who now have no source of income. If tomorrow a terror attack will take place in Israel, or one of them will go and kill himself, who will be responsible? Whoever remains without a roof, without food and water, his children are like orphans. They have no income. I want the people of Israel to understand this. The actions of the Israeli army, will be paid for tomorrow by the Israeli people.
1:22:16 Gaza at night Evening changes the face of Gaza. The bustling colourful streets are suddenly silent, and empty. The Palestinian Airlines crew has just learned that tomorrow they are flying to Mecca. They want to celebrate, but where? In the few places that remain open, the atmosphere of horror and despair makes merriment impossible. They walk in and out of cafes, looking for a peaceful haven which just isn't there any more.
1:22:53 You know what, Nasser? It will be best if we go home. The atmosphere is not adequate, right? Places are open but empty. The situation in town is really bad. -Yes, we won't be able to have fun. We'll do it some other day. -We better go home and watch the news. See why the people are sad. Must be bad news. The town's deserted. Did you notice? There were five people killed. I couldn't stay out late any way. I have a flight tomorrow, and I have to get up early. Where to? -Jeddah. -I'm flying to Amman tomorrow. -Yes, you too. I wish they'll open the airport and everything will be alright. The airport is supposed to be opened tomorrow. -Yes, that's right. I have a feeling it will stay closed. No, I hope it will open tomorrow. I have a feeling it won't. -Me too. I hope you will be proven wrong. -They are playing with us... I'm optimistic. -Allah willing. -Allah willing. It's not good, sitting around, doing nothing.
1:24:03 Airport The Gaza airport is closed for commercial flights. Israel is, however, inclined to permit flights of pilgrims to Mecca, an important event in the life of every faithful Muslim. But another terrorist attack takes place in Israel, and the long-awaited pilgrimage flights may be cancelled.
1:24:26 Since when are you here? -Seven in the morning, yesterday.We stayed awake there for a whole night, and then we came here. Did you come alone? And we are not prepared for sleeping here. This is not a civilized sight. This is an uncivilized act on the part of Israel. Closing the airport. If it is hit, it shouldn't avenge itself on the weak.It's the easiest thing for it, closing the airport. This sitting. There are sick and elderly people who cannot sit on the floor for two or three days, as you can see, in an inhuman way. Is there any chance of you flying? -There are negotiations. We are in the same situation. Waiting for the OK.When? When will we fly? For now, it is unknown. Maybe in half an hour.
1:25:09 I wanted to fly today, even though everyone said it's dangerous. But you're tired of sitting here... -Do you want it so? -Very much. It's an adventure. -An adventure. There is one god, and you love once.
1:25:39 What's going on? -Seems they're being taken to the passage. To El-Arish or to the airport? To the passage and from there to El-Arish. Hello, captain. They told the passengers they're being taken to the border passage and from there to El-Arish. They told the passengers they're being taken to El-Arish, to continue to Jedda from there. So we're going to El-Arish? -Allah willing. -Allah willing.
1:26:13 Leaving terminal in the end, the passengers and crew travel by bus, to take off from El Arish in Egypt. After four years of activity, peace agreements and near-sovereignty, Palestinian Airlines return to the facility that had been their host before they had an airport of their own.As things appear at the moment, the Gaza international airport will remain deserted for a long time. But beyond the airport, new and violent winds of war threaten to drown the entire Western world in blood and fire. Wings that embody the relationship between East and West, the contrast between fanatic terrorism and a legitimate struggle. The fragile line that distinguishes an innocent airliner from an airborne instrument of hell, and a collapsing peace process from chaos.
1:27:05 Soldier If the middle east is always full of surprises, the struggle may escalate into full-scale regional war, but the return to negotiations is just as likely. As they say in this part of the world, everything is in the hands of Allah.
1:27:32 The crew of Palestinian Airlines has scattered to the corners of the earth. Jamal Mohammad, the senior pilot, will soon emigrate to Australia. He wants to enjoy a quiet, peaceful life, on a new continent, where flying an airplane from one place to another, is a routine, everyday affair. Abdel Nasar, the co-pilot, has settled in Florida, where he is now completing the quota of flight hours required for his license to a better future. Abeer Dayyuk, the stewardess, is still in Gaza, waiting for her dreams to come true. And one thing is certain. If she ever flies again as an airline hostess, she will also have an independent state.