Can there be peace for Israelis and Palestinians after 7 October?
Oct 6, 2024
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Daniel Levy, an experienced peace negotiator, shares insights on the quest for peace in Israel and Palestine. Sanam Vakil highlights the urgent need to address humanitarian crises and shifting sentiments within Israel. Amjad Iraqi emphasizes the importance of Palestinian self-determination alongside the complexities of international policies. The trio discusses regional dynamics, including Iran's influence and the challenges posed by the Abraham Accords, suggesting that recognizing Palestinian rights is crucial for sustainable regional stability.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's military campaign, highlights the urgent need for a sustainable peace strategy that considers Palestinian rights.
The shift in international sentiment and the complexities of historical tensions indicate that achieving a two-state solution requires comprehensive, diplomatic engagement from all parties involved.
Deep dives
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The military campaign initiated by Israel in response to the October 7th Hamas attacks has resulted in a significant humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with local authorities reporting over 41,000 Palestinian deaths. The densely populated area, now reduced to ruins, faces dire conditions, including rampant starvation and the spread of disease. The Israeli government’s ongoing pursuit of Hamas has created a situation where the civilian population suffers immensely, and international outcry grows over the devastation. Demonstrations against Israel's actions have taken place even in historically supportive nations like the U.S., highlighting a stark shift in global sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Shifting Dynamics in Israeli-Palestinian Relations
Discussions around the prospect of peace between Israel and the Palestinians are complicated by long-standing historical tensions and the Israeli perception of a lack of necessity for compromise. As hostilities continue, Israeli society is increasingly leaning towards a zero-sum mindset, viewing the conflict as one of mutual exclusion where security comes at the cost of Palestinian rights. While the notion of a two-state solution persists, skepticism abounds regarding its feasibility amid a backdrop of intensified violence and a political landscape that shows little appetite for change. This deadlock is compounded by the sense of trauma felt in Israel after the October attacks, making it harder for diplomatic overtures to emerge.
International Community's Dilemma
The international community's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been marred by inconsistencies, particularly from the U.S. and regional Arab states that have moved away from advocating for Palestinian rights. The Abraham Accords marked a shift towards normalizing relations with Israel, often sidelining the Palestinian cause in favor of regional stability and economic interests. Although countries like Saudi Arabia express support for Palestinian statehood, their diplomatic overtures appear to lack the necessary pressure to change Israel's current aggressive posture. This disconnect highlights a broader challenge in securing a path towards peace that adequately addresses the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Implications of Regional and Global Politics
Current events suggest that ongoing Israeli military actions could lead to broader regional tensions, particularly concerning Iran’s influence in the area. Israel's military strategy seems centered on neutralizing threats instead of fostering diplomatic solutions, potentially deepening regional divides. Recent escalations also illustrate a pattern in which military successes do not translate into political victories, as the lack of a cohesive strategy to address Palestinian rights remains a significant barrier. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, addressing the root causes of the conflict will be essential for achieving sustainable peace and security for all parties involved.
On the first anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, we discuss the possible pathways for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Daniel Levy, the president of the US/Middle East Project. With them are Sanam Vakil, director of our Middle East and North Africa programme (MENAP) and Amjad Iraqi, a MENAP associate fellow.