By Mohammad Shahnawaz
The recent remarks made by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron regarding the potential recognition of the Palestine state indicate a shift in perspective within a portion of the British government regarding the Palestine question following the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. The comment sparked backlash among members of the Conservative Party, and Downing Street later clarified that the British government’s stance on the issue remained unchanged. However, the discussion, which engaged reports in the American media about the State Department considering options for potential recognition of the Palestine state, indicates that the Palestine question has regained prominence in the political debates of the major powers. Before October 7, Israel, its Arab partners, and Western allies believed they might ignore the Palestine question and proceed with building a new West Asia. The attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza highlight the urgent need to find a solution to the Palestine question to achieve peace and stability in a conflict-ridden West Asia. One of the widely acknowledged approaches that have been forward by the liberal world order, including India and South Africa to achieve peace is the establishment of independent Palestine state, which would be recognized internationally.
Since the Oslo process in the early 1990s, several diplomatic efforts were made to achieve a mutually acceptable two-state solution. However, these attempts proved unsuccessful as Palestine continued to be under occupation. Currently, the West Bank and East Jerusalem are home to approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers, while Gaza is experiencing significant destruction caused by Israel. Israeli leaders, such as Benjamin Netanyahu, have consistently opposed the idea of a two-state solution, while far-right settlers are advocating for complete control over Palestinian territories. Hence, the question arises regarding the course of action that the Western world will take, given Israel’s consistent denial of the idea of two-states paradigm. Curiously, this question tends to be ignored by the Western media. However, there has been debate regarding Hamas’s willingness to accept the proposed two-state solution. During an interview with the Atlantic Council on January 29, 2024, the journalist consistently questioned Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar, about Hamas’ possible acceptance.
Historical Background
The sun have set on the mighty British empire, but its legacy continues to persist. Several disputes across the globe today have a strong connection to the historical impact of British colonial policies. These conflicts stem from the mismanagement of the independence process the lasting effects of unviable borders and the migration of cheap labour between colonies (Tharoor 2016). The British government was the first major power to acknowledge the Zionists’ assertion of the land of Ottoman Palestine. In 1917, amidst the First World War, the British government released the Balfour Declaration, expressing their endorsement of the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The declaration significantly bolstered the Zionist movement, facilitating Jewish migration from Europe and the establishment of settlement communities in historical Palestine, ultimately leading to the formation of Israel in 1948. Palestine was historically ruled and subjected to the jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire until its defeat at the conclusion of World War I. The British imposed a mandate system on Palestine, which persisted until 1948.
Following a phase of Jewish migration to Palestine and with the support of Western powers, Israel was proclaimed a sovereign state on Palestinian territory in 1948, thereby bringing an end to the British mandate system. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted since this significant transformation, which is widely known as Al Nakba in the Arab world.
Further, Palestine was occupied by the Israelis in two major wars in 1948 and 1967. During the initial war, the Israelis gained control over a substantial part of Palestine, ultimately establishing their state. This state has since evolved into the foundation of present-day Israel. During the second war of 1967, the Israelis gained control over the remaining territories of Palestine, namely the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The areas that were recently occupied are commonly known as the Occupied Palestinian Territories ( Eddin & Rahma 2021).
One of the most frequently debated resolutions to the conflict involves:
Firstly, the establishment of a single state where both Palestinians and Israelis have equal rights. This state would encompass the territories of Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Additionally, there are two states formula, namely Israel and Palestine, existing side by side. In the following paragraph, I will provide a brief overview of the two-state solution.
The Two-State Paradigm
Advocates of this perspective argue that establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel would effectively resolve the ongoing crisis. There would exist two states within the territory spanning from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. The proposed location for the State of Palestine would be the Gaza Strip and a connected portion of the West Bank, covering at least 95% of the territory in the West Bank. Jerusalem would function as the capital of both states, with Israel’s capital in West Jerusalem and Palestine’s capital in East Jerusalem. However, the division is complex due to the presence of Israeli settlements surrounding the central area of East Jerusalem (Pressman 2021).
While the discussion on the Dimensions of Obstacles, it is important to note that Israeli settlements have been expanding in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which has harmed the prospects for a viable Palestinian state. There has been a significant increase in the number of Israeli settlers in recent decades. Israel has built a barrier surrounding the West Bank, which violates the basic rights of Palestinians. The West Bank is partitioned into distinct regions under the Oslo Accords, with varying degrees of Israeli and Palestinian authority, thereby constraining Palestinian sovereignty. Israel has been conducting military operations in Palestinian urban areas. The present Israeli government is distinguished by its strong right-wing stance and includes members who are religious nationalists and advocate for the settlers. Further, The Palestinians have become divided due to Hamas’ control of Gaza, resulting in separate rule by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (Fatah) in Gaza and the West Bank. Hamas’ charter advocates for destruction of Israel, although it has occasionally proposed a long-term truce in exchange for a Palestinian state. More recently, it has expressed willingness to accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. However, it has not explicitly acknowledged Israel. Israel views Hamas’ proposals as lacking sincerity and failing to demonstrate a genuine shift in Hamas’ objectives (Reuters 2024). These are the undeniable facts that have been intentionally neglected.
Another unresolved matter pertains to the fulfilment of the Palestinian Right of Return, which currently only addresses a limited scope. Most Palestinian refugees do not have the opportunity to go back to their family’s homes and land situated within present-day Israel.
In conclusion we can say that the advocate of the two-state solution has shown reluctance in employing measures such as UN Security Council action, trade/aid conditionality, or withdrawal as means to actively pursue its implementation, particularly when it comes to exerting pressure on Israel. This holds significant importance in the relationship between the European Union and Israel, as well as the relationship between the United States and Israel. The United States and its allies have shown a willingness to exert pressure on Palestinian actors. The denial of statehood for the Palestinian people will only contribute to sustaining a conflict that poses a significant risk to global peace and security.
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The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi-25.