The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reignited discussions around the long-debated two-state solution. After decades of tension and intermittent violence, the devastating events since October 7 have left many questioning whether this traditional approach to peace is still viable.
For some, the brutal warfare in Gaza has shattered the 35-year-old consensus that two separate states for Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace remain the only feasible solution. However, others argue that these recent horrors could be the catalyst needed to breathe new life into this goal.
American, Palestinian, and Arab officials have recently emphasized that the two-state solution must rise \"phoenix-like\" from the ashes of the current war. This renewed interest comes at a poignant time, as Palestinians mark the anniversary of the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) 1988 \"Declaration of Independence,\" a seminal moment when Palestinian factions agreed to recognize Israel's existence within its pre-1967 borders.
The economic dimensions of a two-state solution have long been a critical factor in its feasibility. A comprehensive PLO-led study in 1990 concluded that a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital, could be economically viable. However, this viability hinges on Israel's complete military withdrawal and the dismantling of settlements, which has remained an elusive goal.
The 1993 Oslo Accords fell short of these conditions, granting limited civil autonomy to the Palestinian Authority amidst ongoing Israeli settlement expansions. Subsequent negotiations failed to achieve a permanent status agreement, leading to further conflict and political fragmentation between Fatah and Hamas.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the latest violence, the hope is that a renewed commitment to the two-state solution could pave the way for lasting peace and economic stability in the region. Many reasonable observers believe that such a framework remains the best path towards resolving the century-old conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
