"THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION " - Universal Group Of Institutions

Syllabus:

GS-1- World History ,Israel Palestine historical context
GS-2- Bilateral relations of Israel, Palestine and India ,International security

Focus :

The article focuses on the historical context, challenges, and recent developments surrounding the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It highlights the structural obstacles to achieving a sovereign Palestinian state, international diplomatic efforts, and growing global support for resolving the Palestinian question to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Source-IE

Source - Present Map -IE

Recent Developments in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent war on Gaza have intensified focus on the Palestinian issue.
The conflict has resulted in the destruction of Gaza and the death of 36,000 Palestinians.
More countries are voicing strong support for a future Palestinian state, with Spain, Ireland, and Norway recently recognizing it.

Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan insist that lasting peace in the region requires resolving the Palestinian question.
An internationally recognized solution, the two-state solution, aims to address this ongoing conflict.

What is the Two-State Solution?

The two-state solution proposes dividing historical Palestine into an Arab state and a Jewish state.
Historically, Israel, a Jewish state, was created in Palestine in 1948, but a Palestinian state has yet to materialize.
Since 1967, Palestinian territories have been under Israeli occupation.
Today, the two-state solution means creating a legitimate, sovereign Palestinian state with full rights under the UN Charter.
This solution is complex due to historical, political, and territorial disputes between Israelis and Palestinians.

Historical Origins of the Two-State Solution

The roots of the two-state solution date back to the 1930s under British rule over Palestine.
In 1936, the British government appointed the Peel Commission to investigate Arab-Jewish clashes.
The Peel Commission proposed a partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, but Arabs rejected the proposal.
After World War II, the UN proposed another partition plan, dividing Palestine into Jewish, Arab, and international territories.
The UN General Assembly adopted this plan (Resolution 181), but Arabs rejected it, leading to the creation of Israel in 1948 and subsequent conflicts.

International Legitimacy and Further Developments

In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
Palestinian nationalism, led by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), gained strength in the 1960s.
The PLO recognized the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, but Israel initially rejected Palestinian claims.
The Camp David Accords after the 1973 Yom Kippur War led to Israel agreeing to a framework for Palestinian autonomy.
The Oslo Accords (1993, 1995) formalized the two-state solution, creating a Palestinian National Authority and recognizing the PLO.

Challenges to Achieving the Two-State Solution

The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 was a significant setback to the Oslo process.

The rise of Hamas, which opposed the Oslo Accords, further complicated peace efforts.
Multiple diplomatic efforts have since failed to revive the two-state plan.
Structural factors, including undefined borders and illegal settlements, hinder progress.
Israel’s right-wing leadership shows little willingness to make necessary concessions for peace.

Key Structural Factors and Issues

Undefined Borders: Israel lacks clearly demarcated borders and has historically expanded its territory.
Settlers: Approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem pose a major obstacle to withdrawal.
Jerusalem: Disputes over Jerusalem’s status, with Palestinians claiming East Jerusalem and Israel claiming the entire city as its capital.
Right of Return: Around 700,000 displaced Palestinians seek the right to return, which Israel opposes.
Political Leadership: Israel’s right-wing government prefers maintaining the status quo of occupation, while Palestinians seek to end it.

Recent Diplomatic Efforts and International Support

Despite ongoing conflicts, international support for a Palestinian state is growing, with several countries recognizing it.
The Arab League and other regional bodies continue to push for a resolution to the Palestinian question.
International organizations, including the UN, advocate for the two-state solution as the best path to lasting peace.
Diplomatic efforts often face setbacks due to on-the-ground realities and political resistance from both sides.
Continued advocacy and negotiation are essential to achieving a viable two-state solution.

Source:The Hindu

Associated Article

What's New