2 state solution globe and mail

The "Two-State Solution" refers to a proposed solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which involves the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel. This solution has been widely supported by the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States.

Here are some key points about the Two-State Solution, as reported in The Globe and Mail:

Key elements:

  1. Two separate states: The solution involves the creation of two separate and independent states, one for the Israelis and one for the Palestinians.
  2. Border adjustments: The solution would involve border adjustments to ensure that the two states are contiguous and have secure borders.
  3. Jerusalem: The status of Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians, would be resolved through negotiations.
  4. Right of return: The solution would need to address the issue of Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and their right of return to their ancestral homes.
  5. Security arrangements: The solution would require the establishment of security arrangements to ensure the safety and security of both states.

Challenges:

  1. Settlements: The presence of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is a major obstacle to the implementation of the Two-State Solution.
  2. Palestinian divisions: The Palestinian leadership is divided between the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007.
  3. Israeli political divisions: The Israeli government is also divided on the issue, with some parties supporting a two-state solution and others opposing it.
  4. Security concerns: The solution would need to address the security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians, including the threat of terrorism and the need for a secure border.

Recent developments:

  1. US recognition of Jerusalem: In 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, which was seen as a blow to the Two-State Solution.
  2. Trump's "Deal of the Century": In 2019, the United States released a plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which was widely criticized by Palestinians and many in the international community.
  3. Gaza protests: Protests along the Gaza-Israel border have been ongoing since 2018, with Palestinians demanding the right of return and an end to the Israeli blockade.

Conclusion:

The Two-State Solution remains the most widely accepted framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it faces significant challenges and obstacles. The international community continues to support the solution, but it will require significant efforts and compromises from both Israelis and Palestinians to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution.