Conflict expert: How religious leaders can lay the groundwork for a two-state solution | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Two-state solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving the establishment of two independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.
• Occupation: Israeli control over Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian statehood: The aspiration of Palestinians to establish an independent and sovereign state.
• Agency: The capacity of Palestinians to act independently and make their own decisions.
• Sovereignty: Supreme power or authority; the right of a state to govern itself.
• International community: The collective body of nations and international organizations.
• Disinformation: False or misleading information intended to deceive.
• National narrative: A shared understanding of a nation's history, identity, and aspirations.
• Inclusive leadership: Leadership that represents and includes all segments of society.

1. Evolving International Stance:

• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is causing some of Israel's allies to reconsider their positions.
• France intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.
• British Prime Minister Kier Starmer indicated he would follow suit unless Israel addresses the "appalling situation" in Gaza.

2. UN's Perspective on the Two-State Solution:

• Israel refused to attend an international meeting in New York on the two-state solution, claiming it benefits Hamas.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres disagrees, arguing that a two-state solution is a worthwhile political goal.
• Guterres questions the alternative to a two-state solution, highlighting the risks of perpetual occupation, inequality, or expulsion of Palestinians.
• He rejects the false choice between Palestinian statehood and Israeli security, asserting that there is no security in occupation.
• Guterres emphasizes the need to address both Israel's security concerns and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

3. The Viability of a Two-State Solution:

• Oliver McTernan of Forward Thinking believes that the Gaza war has made it difficult to envision Israelis and Palestinians living in an integrated way.
• He emphasizes the need for Palestinians to have their own state with sovereignty and agency, including a united East Jerusalem with Gaza and the West Bank.
• McTernan highlights the reality that many Palestinians have never been to Jerusalem.
• Despite expanding Jewish settlements and Palestinian militant groups, McTernan believes a two-state solution is feasible, but not through traditional negotiations.
• He suggests the international community should declare an end to the occupation and establish a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

4. Obstacles and Challenges:

• McTernan notes that some decision-makers are ignorant of the history of the conflict, acting as if it began on October 7th.
• He dismisses the idea that Gazans will voluntarily leave their territory, citing their resilience and love for their land.
• A Pew Research Center survey indicates that only 21% of Israelis believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible, down from 50% 12 years ago.
• McTernan attributes this decline to a campaign of disinformation that portrays the conflict as a war of civilizations against radical Islam.

5. Hopeful Signs and Potential Influences:

• McTernan is encouraged by senior rabbis who believe that Muslims, Christians, and Jews should share the land, potentially in two states or a confederation.
• These rabbis draw on the teachings of Moses Maimonides, who believed the Messiah would only return if the three faiths shared the land.
• While national religious rabbis support policies of figures like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, ultra-Orthodox rabbis have influence through their parties and followers.
• McTernan believes challenging the idea that Palestinians and Israelis cannot live together is crucial.

6. Palestinian Leadership and Aspirations:

• A European Union-sponsored project found unity among Palestinians regarding their aspirations, with 90% attributing their problems to the occupation.
• McTernan believes that ending the occupation will lead to new, inclusive Palestinian leadership.
• He stresses the importance of recognizing a Palestinian state inclusively, restoring the Palestinian constitution and legislative council, and accepting the outcome of the 2006 election.
• He argues that the failure to support the 2006 election results contributed to the current catastrophe in Gaza.

7. Notable Quotes:

• Antonio Guterres: "Let us reject the false choice between Palestinian statethood and Israeli security. There is no security in occupation."
• Oliver McTernan: "I think the only way we can move forward is to have a declaration end of occupation and establishment of a truly sovereign independent Palestinian state with real agency."

8. Data and Statistics:

• Pew Research Center survey: Only 21% of Israelis believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible (down from 50% 12 years ago).
• EU-sponsored project: 90% of Palestinians attribute their problems to the occupation.

9. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• 67 borders: Refers to the borders that existed before the Six-Day War in 1967, which are often used as a basis for negotiations on a two-state solution.
• Knesset: The parliament of Israel.
• Ramalia: A city in the central West Bank that serves as the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian National Authority.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The discussion highlights the increasing international pressure for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly through a two-state solution. While significant obstacles remain, including skepticism within Israeli society and disagreement among political leaders, there are also hopeful signs, such as the views of influential religious figures and the unified aspirations of the Palestinian people. The key takeaway is the urgent need to end the occupation and establish a sovereign Palestinian state to achieve lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The failure to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly the occupation, has led to the current humanitarian crisis and underscores the importance of inclusive leadership and international support for a viable two-state solution.