Is a Future Palestine State Possible?

Is a Future Palestine State Possible?

Current Situation

The conflict between Hamas and Israel, especially after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, has intensified the focus on the Palestine issue. The war has devastated Gaza, resulting in 36,000 deaths. There is increasing international support for a Palestinian state, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognizing it. Arab nations emphasize that peace in the region depends on resolving the Palestine issue through a two-state solution.

What is the Two-State Solution?

The two-state solution aims to divide historical Palestine into two states: one for Jews (Israel) and one for Arabs (Palestine). While Israel was established in 1948, a Palestinian state has not yet been realized. Palestinian territories have been occupied by Israel since 1967. The goal is to create a sovereign Palestinian state with full rights under the UN Charter.

Historical Background

Early Proposals

• 1930s: The British Peel Commission suggested partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, but Arabs rejected this.

• Post-WWII: The UN proposed a partition plan in 1947, accepted by Jews but rejected by Arabs, leading to the creation of Israel and subsequent conflict.

Israel’s Expansion

• 1948-1949: Israel expanded its territory beyond the UN's initial proposal.

• 1967: During the Six-Day War, Israel captured additional territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.

International Recognition and Efforts

PLO and the Oslo Accords

• The PLO initially sought to liberate all of Palestine but later accepted the two-state solution based on 1967 borders.

• The Oslo Accords in the 1990s aimed to establish a framework for peace and the creation of a Palestinian state, but this has not yet been achieved.

Obstacles to the Two-State Solution

Undefined Boundaries

Israel has no fixed borders and continues to expand into Palestinian territories, complicating any agreement on borders.

Jewish Settlers

Around 700,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Relocating them would be politically challenging for Israel.

Jerusalem

Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, creating a significant barrier to peace.

Refugees’ Right of Return

About 700,000 Palestinians displaced in 1948 have a right to return under international law, but Israel opposes this.

Political Will

Israel’s current right-wing leadership is not willing to make the necessary concessions for a two-state solution, preferring to maintain the status quo of occupation, while Palestinians seek to end it.

Conclusion

The two-state solution faces numerous challenges, including political, territorial, and demographic issues. While international support for a Palestinian state is growing, significant obstacles remain, making the realization of a two-state solution complex and uncertain.

Is a Future Palestine State Possible?