Persian Gulf Media Slam "Racist" Israeli Buffer Zone Plan
Many commentators in Saturday's newspapers said such a move, which Sharon proposed in a speech late on Thursday, would "imprison" both sides and fail to solve the conflict.
"In his speech, Sharon surpassed the racist orders that the world witnessed in Rhodesia and South Africa," Saudi Arabia's *** Al-Watan *** newspaper said in an editorial.
There has been no official reaction by Persian Gulf Arab states to Sharon's speech in favour of "security separation" to protect Israelis from a Palestinian uprising against occupation.
But Persian Gulf newspapers usually reflect government stances.
"The zones would only increase Israel's isolation and deepen its nature as a racist oppressive regime, similar to the one the world fought in South Africa," said the United Arab Emirates' Arabic daily *** Al-Ittihad. ***
It said there was also a danger that buffer zones would lead to a future independent Palestinian state that was fragmented.
Sharon gave few details in his speech. But his comments were widely interpreted to mean he would seal off some Palestinian areas and might put slices of Palestinian-ruled land bordering the Jewish state back under Israeli military control.
The Saudi *** Al-Riyadh *** daily said forming what it called "Israeli ghettos" would widen the rift with the Palestinians.
"Sharon's zones can be called adjoining cells for Palestinians and Israelis," it said. "The mind imprisoned in historical complexes cannot envision the future. The mind must progress to respond to the echoing voice of peace."
Palestinians officials have condemned Sharon's plan as an "escalation of aggression". The plan also drew fire in Israel.
Washington has sought to keep its distance, saying it is more interested in security cooperation between the two sides.
"Sharon says he seeks to achieve peace but all he is doing is kindle the flames of war," Qatar's ** Al-Sharq *** newspaper said.