Gaza ceasefire: 'Instead of just ceasing the war, we need to cease the conflict' • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Conflict vs. War: Distinction between the cessation of hostilities (war) and the resolution of underlying issues (conflict).
• Two-State Solution: The internationally recognized framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, involving the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
• Grassroots Peace Efforts: Bottom-up initiatives and organizations working towards peace at the community level.
• Political Umbrella: The need for international backing and a political framework to support and protect peace-building efforts.
• Recognition of Two Identities: The fundamental principle that both Israeli and Palestinian identities must be acknowledged and respected.
• Dignified Leadership: The necessity of having legitimate and respected leadership on both sides for effective peace negotiations.
• Rebuilding Peace: The idea that peace requires more than just physical reconstruction; it involves fostering understanding and cooperation.

Summary

Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awad, speaking on France 24, addressed the current situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that while the "war in Gaza is over," the underlying "conflict is not over," highlighting the need to address the root causes rather than just the immediate hostilities.

The Opportunity for a New Peace Environment

Abu Awad sees the current moment as a "great opportunity for a new management and a new peace environment." He believes that if the international community can "seize the fire in Gaza," they are equally capable of exerting pressure for a new approach to managing the conflict. He argues that peace is achievable precisely because it is made between "enemies," and that the current suffering is not an inescapable destiny. The core of a resolution lies in recognizing the existence of "two identities in that piece of land that we both call home," and establishing a "new political structure that will recognize these two identities" and allow them to "thrive not at the expense of each other."

The Two-State Solution and Leadership

Abu Awad firmly advocates for the two-state solution as the "only solution." He asserts that the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians desire peace, stating, "the majority of both sides want peace yesterday." He acknowledges the deep-seated trauma, suffering, violence, hatred, and stereotypes that have plagued the region for ages, but frames the current situation as a "very painful lesson to both of us, Israelis and Palestinians, to wake up today and say never again." This "never again" sentiment should apply to "7th of October, never again for occupation. never again for humiliation and destructions of human lives." He stresses the need for both sides to "take responsibility and to lead our destiny" with "good leadership" and "committed leadership," supported by "international commitment." He notes that Arab nations are currently more engaged in seeking a solution than ever before.

Rebuilding Peace Beyond Gaza

Abu Awad's vision extends beyond simply rebuilding Gaza. He calls for "rebuild[ing] peace" and a "rebuild[ing] the Middle East in a new fashion where Jews will be acceptable but also will partner with Palestinians without Palestinian fearing or having to pay the price of their dignity because of the Israeli security."

The Worsening Situation in the West Bank

Regarding the West Bank, Abu Awad expressed concern that the situation is "worsening." He highlighted the "free access and free movement" of "extreme settlers" who are not being stopped, with even the Israeli army struggling to control them in some areas. In contrast, Palestinians are experiencing a life of restriction, living "behind gates" that limit their movement from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, which he describes as "not life" and a catalyst for "more violence and more hate." As a peace activist with over 23 years of experience, he emphasizes the urgent need for a "political umbrella to protect all of these efforts toward peace" because the majority of both populations do not wish to repeat their past experiences.

A Message to Europe

Speaking from Paris, where he attended an event at the Arab World Institute, Abu Awad conveyed a message to Europeans, thanking those who host him and bring "a different voice not just for hope for for a realistic ideological belief of of solution." He specifically thanked "organization warriors for peace" and activist Hana Aolene for her documentary "resisting for peace." His call to action is for the world to be "pro-solution," as the "divide between Jews and Arabs everywhere is just fueling the conflict." He urges people to "stand and take serious steps towards solution" because "none of us is going to disappear. None of us is gonna give their right for freedom, for security, for independent, for recognition." He dreams of a future where "a march of Jews and Arabs together" would encourage leaders to pursue peace, and where Jews and Arabs, Muslims, and "anyone" would push for a solution at the White House. He reiterates that the "recognition of a Palestinian state is not a threat on the Israeli security and the Israeli security will never be achieved normally without a Palestinian independence."

Starting the Peace Process

Abu Awad suggests starting with a "political umbrella that the international community has to guarantee" for "grassroots peace efforts." He also calls for "a new leadership maybe in the region," acknowledging the significant challenges faced by both the Israeli political landscape and the Palestinian Authority. These three levels – international guarantee, grassroots efforts, and new leadership – are crucial for building a new structure with "both national plans for solution."

Elections and a Democratic Authority

Regarding calls for elections in the Palestinian territories, Abu Awad views elections as a "sample of democracy" but questions what and whom Palestinians would be voting for. He believes that simply electing a new Palestinian Authority will not suffice; it needs to "transform this authority to become a government that will rule a state" for "full democracy." He sees potential benefits in elections, such as bringing "new voices, new energy," promoting a "new fix of the act," and shaping a "constitutional state." Furthermore, it would signal to Israeli society that Palestinians desire a "normal life." However, he stresses that such a democratic structure needs to be "supported enough also by Israel," as Israel authorizes the PA. He concludes that without "a dignified leadership in Palestine as well," no one can create or promote an effective leadership that will take responsibility for Israeli security.