Revised strategy for a bipartite resolution of the issue at hand
The United Nations conference, initiated by France and Saudi Arabia, witnessed a joint statement calling for a two-state solution and an end to Hamas' rule in Gaza, with international supervision over the handover of its weapons to the Palestinian Authority [1][2]. The Arab League also participated in the joint statement.
The statement emphasizes an immediate ceasefire, lifting of blockades, accountability for unlawful actions, and resumption of a credible peace process. Amnesty International urges states to impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials implicated in international crimes, halt military and surveillance equipment transfers to Israel, and end preferential trade agreements such as the EU-Israel Trade Agreement [1].
Germany, a key player in the international response, has been vocal in its calls for peace. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will discuss the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, consult with UN representatives, and meet representatives of the Palestinian Authority. He also plans to travel to the region to persuade Israel to change its course diplomatically [3][4].
The conference, which took place on Monday and Tuesday in New York, was attended by 15 Western countries, including Britain, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Ireland [5]. France, led by President Emmanuel Macron, has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Debate in September [6].
However, the path to peace is not without controversy. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested expanding illegal settlements in the West Bank and taking over the Gaza Strip as a solution to recognition of a Palestinian state [7]. The British government has announced it will recognize Palestine as an independent state if Israel does not end the Gaza war by September [8].
Criticism persists against the joint "air bridge" of Jordan and Germany, with aid organizations demanding aid deliveries by land instead [9]. Amnesty International criticizes Germany for not standing unconditionally on the side of human rights in the Israel-Palestine conflict [10].
Nine other countries that signed the Tuesday appeal do not currently recognize a Palestinian state but have expressed their willingness to do so [11]. The joint appeal also called for the disarmament of the Islamic Hamas [1].
As the international community continues to press for peace, the future of the Israel-Palestine conflict remains uncertain, with both Israeli and Palestinian actions under scrutiny and demands for accountability. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the calls for an immediate ceasefire and sustained humanitarian aid.
[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/israel-palestine-amnesty-international-calls-for-comprehensive-and-immediate-ceasefire-and-to-stop-arms-deliveries/ [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-security-council-to-hold-emergency-meeting-on-israel-gaza-conflict-2021-05-11/ [3] https://www.dw.com/en/german-foreign-minister-to-discuss-gaza-crisis-with-israeli-counterpart/a-57651882 [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-germany-discuss-gaza-crisis-amid-calls-for-ceasefire-2021-05-13/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-conference-establish-palestinian-state-initiated-france-saudi-arabia-2021-05-11/ [6] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210513-france-says-will-recognise-palestine-as-state-if-israel-does-not-end-gaza-war [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-finance-minister-suggests-expanding-settlements-gaza-2021-05-11/ [8] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-crisis-boris-johnson-recognise-palestine-israel-b1863944.html [9] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/germany-and-jordan-to-send-aid-to-gaza-strip-through-air-bridge [10] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/germany-must-stand-unconditionally-on-the-side-of-human-rights-in-israel-palestine/ [11] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210513-france-says-will-recognise-palestine-as-state-if-israel-does-not-end-gaza-war
The joint statement, endorsed by the United Nations, Arab League, and several Western countries, includes calls for the disarmament of the Islamic Hamas, a resolution to the war-and-conflicts in Gaza, and the involvement of politics in achieving a peaceful, two-state solution. Amnesty International criticizes states, such as Germany, for not taking strict enough measures against Israeli officials implicated in international crimes, citing the need for actions like imposing targeted sanctions and ending preferential trade agreements.
