Can diplomatic efforts for a two-state solution in the Middle East be revived? | DW News

Key Concepts

Two-state solution, Palestinian statehood, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Oslo Accords, Hamas, Palestinian Authority, Israeli settlements, Right of return, Gaza, West Bank, International pressure, Recognition of Palestine, Political negotiation, Ending the conflict in Gaza.

Historical Context and the Two-State Solution

The two-state solution, envisioning a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, originated with the 1947 UN partition plan for the British Mandate of Palestine. This plan proposed dividing the territory into a Jewish state and an Arab state, with Jerusalem under international control. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The 1967 Six-Day War further complicated the situation, bringing another million Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The 1993 Oslo Accords offered renewed hope, with Israelis and Palestinians recognizing each other and establishing a framework for peace. However, the proposed Palestinian territory was significantly smaller than in 1947, consisting of Gaza and most of the occupied West Bank under a system of shared control.

Current Obstacles to Peace

The two-state solution faces significant challenges, including Palestinian uprisings, terror attacks, Israeli occupation, blockades, and settlement expansion. The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza have further diminished prospects for peace. A key obstacle is the division between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, which has paralyzed governance. In Israel, the current right-wing government rejects Palestinian statehood and advocates for annexing the occupied West Bank and expanding Israeli settlements. These settlements, housing over half a million Israelis, fragment Palestinian land. Other unresolved issues include the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, final borders, security arrangements, and the future of Gaza.

The Upcoming Conference and its Potential

An upcoming conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia aims to revive the two-state solution. Muhammad Shahada argues that the two-state solution is essential for saving Israel from itself, reviving moderate voices on both sides, and dismantling Hamas. He cites a RAND Corporation study from 2008, which found that only 7% of terrorist groups are defeated militarily, while 43% are dismantled through political negotiation. Shahada believes that recognizing a Palestinian state can create debate within Israel and demonstrate the inevitability of Palestinian statehood.

The Role of International Actors

Shahada notes that some countries are trying to recognize the state of Palestine, while others, including the United States, are attempting to discourage participation in the conference. He argues that the US's reluctance is a betrayal of both Palestinians and Israelis. Despite the absence of the US and Israel, the conference can still generate meaningful political momentum. Some countries are developing plans for Gaza's future and considering punitive measures against parties obstructing the two-state solution.

France's Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

France's intention to recognize Palestinian statehood in September could have a snowballing effect, influencing other European countries to follow suit. However, some actors within France, the UK, and Germany are attempting to water down this recognition by attaching impossible conditions, such as requiring Hamas to disarm before a Palestinian state is created. Shahada argues that disarmament should be an outcome of a peace agreement, not a prerequisite, citing examples from Northern Ireland and Colombia.

Urgent Priorities for Palestinian Civilians

Beyond statehood, urgent priorities for Palestinian civilians include ending the conflict in Gaza and ensuring the delivery of food and aid. Shahada emphasizes that international pressure is crucial to compel Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. He warns that prolonged starvation has caused irreversible damage and that sustained food provision is necessary to address the crisis.

Notable Quotes

• Muhammad Shahada: "It's also the way to save Israel itself from itself. It's the way to revive the moderate Israeli peace camp and the Palestinian moderates as well to give them some momentum. And it is the ultimate way and only way to dismantle Hamas."
• Muhammad Shahada: "Recognition would be contingent on dismantling disarming Hamas before an end to the conflict is reached before a Palestinian state is created. And that's not how disarmament works through a political process."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Two-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that envisions two independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians, living side-by-side in peace.
• Oslo Accords: A set of agreements between the government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed in 1993 and 1995, intended to provide a framework for the future relations between Israel and a future Palestinian state.
• Hamas: A Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization currently governing the Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian Authority: The interim self-government body established in 1994 to govern the Gaza Strip and areas of the West Bank, as a result of the Oslo Accords.
• Israeli Settlements: Civilian communities inhabited by Israeli citizens, built on lands occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War.
• Right of Return: The principle that Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent conflicts have a right to return to their former homes.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The two-state solution, while facing significant obstacles and skepticism, remains the most viable path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The upcoming conference and potential recognition of Palestinian statehood by countries like France offer opportunities to revive the peace process. However, addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and overcoming political divisions are crucial for achieving a lasting resolution. International pressure and a commitment to political negotiation are essential for dismantling Hamas and creating a sustainable future for both Israelis and Palestinians.