Saudi-led scheme for Palestine provides Israel with an exit strategy
The Middle East is witnessing a rare moment of consensus among Arab and European powers, as they work towards a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Recently, key players including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, France, the UK, and the EU co-chaired and backed a High-Level International Conference held in New York, culminating in the issuance of the "New York Declaration." This declaration calls for time-bound, concrete steps towards a peaceful settlement based on a sovereign and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, emphasizing Gaza's unity with the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control and the end of occupation and blockade.
The conference participants stressed that war and occupation will not bring peace or security, and only a political solution through the two-state framework grounded in international law can fulfill legitimate aspirations on both sides. Key outcomes include proposals covering political, security, humanitarian, economic, legal, and strategic dimensions, creating a practical plan for international coordination and follow-up towards the two-state solution and broader regional integration.
Arab states are now publicly condemning Hamas' violence and calling for an end to its control of Gaza. Notably, Arab countries are united in their stance that Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine. They have called on Hamas to disarm and cede Gaza's governance to the Palestinian Authority.
The diplomatic move, including France's commitment to recognize Palestine and co-host a UN conference with Saudi Arabia, marks a turning point. The international community is calling for Israel's clear commitment to this solution, immediate ceasefire, withdrawal from Gaza, and the establishment of a transitional administrative committee under the Palestinian National Authority's umbrella.
This push for a two-state solution offers Israel long-term security guarantees, if it's willing to abandon certain maximalist positions, such as annexing the West Bank. Many Israelis see no alternative to moving forward with peace negotiations, despite Netanyahu's perceived lack of seriousness.
The diplomatic initiative fits within American strategic interests and offers a route out of perpetual conflict. It could help stabilize the region, potentially reducing the need for US military involvement. However, significant challenges remain on the ground, including ongoing conflict dynamics, which the international community aims to address through humanitarian relief and political dialogue as outlined in the New York conference framework.
Meanwhile, some Israeli officials are being shunned by Western governments, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who have been banned from entering countries like the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and the UK over their advocacy for annexing Gaza.
Faisal J. Abbas, an award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, has emphasized that a viable two-state solution addresses grievances, curbs extremism, and builds the framework for a prosperous, cooperative Middle East. It does not "reward Hamas," as some claim.
For more information on the steps towards Palestinian statehood, readers are encouraged to refer to resources such as The New York Times' explainer on the topic. The measured approach taken by these powers towards the Middle East conflict should be applauded, not dismissed, as it aligns with Saudi and Arab efforts for regional stability and economic development. If Hamas relinquishes power, countries like Canada and the UK may join in supporting Palestinian statehood.
[1] New York Times. (n.d.). Steps toward Palestinian statehood: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/29/world/middleeast/palestinian-statehood-explainer.html [2] United Nations. (n.d.). New York Declaration on the Future of Palestine. Retrieved from https://unsc.unmissions.org/content/new-york-declaration-future-palestine [3] Middle East Eye. (n.d.). UN chief calls for two-state solution as Arab countries reject Hamas. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-chief-calls-two-state-solution-arab-countries-reject-hamas [4] Arab News. (n.d.). Arab states condemn Hamas violence and call for end to Gaza control. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1983886/middle-east
- The international community's push for a two-state solution, as seen in the New York Declaration and subsequently supported by the UN, US, and European countries, involves policies and legislation aimed at peacefully resolving war-and-conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, while also addressing general-news issues like economic development and regional stability in the Middle East.
- As part of the diplomatic efforts towards a two-state solution, Arab states have strongly criticized Hamas' violent actions and advocated for its disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza's control, to be replaced by the Palestinian Authority for the greater good of the region's politics and future.
