Trump’s Gaza plan: The end of the two-state solution?
Feb 6, 2025
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Paul Adams, BBC's diplomatic correspondent with deep expertise in the Middle East, joins to discuss Trump's ambitious plan for Gaza as a business hub. They delve into the implications of moving Gazans out and what that means for the two-state solution's viability. Adams examines the historical context and current political realities influencing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The conversation highlights the entrenched challenges and shifting perspectives that complicate any hope for lasting peace in the region.
Trump's proposal to redevelop Gaza and relocate its Palestinian population raises serious questions about the viability of a two-state solution.
Historical attempts at establishing a Palestinian state have been undermined by violence and a lack of commitment from key players.
Deep dives
The Two-State Solution: Historical Perspective
The two-state solution, aimed at establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel, revolves around land captured during the 1967 Six-Day War. Historically, there have been moments when the prospect of this resolution appeared feasible, especially during pivotal negotiations such as the Camp David talks in 2000. However, violence and conflict frequently derailed these efforts, leading to a long-standing stagnation in diplomatic progress. Presently, while the concept remains theoretically supported in international discussions, practical applications have significantly dwindled, especially in light of recent political shifts.
Donald Trump's Gaza Proposal: Implications and Controversy
Donald Trump's recent approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has raised eyebrows, particularly his suggestion of the U.S. taking over the Gaza Strip for redevelopment while relocating its Palestinian inhabitants. This proposal, viewed as a drastic departure from traditional U.S. policy, has been met with skepticism regarding its feasibility and legality. The plan could potentially undermine any remaining aspirations for a Palestinian state, as Palestinians vehemently oppose uprooting from their homeland. Moreover, the idea complicates ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, as the militant group is unlikely to agree to terms that threaten their existence and that of the Palestinian population.
Current Dynamics in Arab-Israeli Relations
The changing landscape of Arab-Israeli relations highlights the conditional nature of potential rapprochements, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue. Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations view the establishment of a viable Palestinian state as critical to normalization with Israel, reinforcing the two-state solution's significance. However, Israeli leadership has displayed reluctance to pursue such a statehood in light of expanding settlements and security concerns. Ultimately, without U.S. backing and a genuine commitment from all parties, the longstanding pursuit of peace remains unlikely to advance, leaving alternatives to the two-state solution largely unfeasible.
President Donald Trump wants to take over Gaza and rebuild it as an international hotspot for business and tourism. The plan could drastically change the future of the Middle East. For decades, US presidents have said that establishing a sovereign Palestinian state, to exist alongside Israel, is the only way to achieve a permanent peace. But can that ever happen if Gazans are moved out of Gaza, as President Trump has suggested?
On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams and the longstanding – if distant – diplomatic hopes for two-state solution.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie
Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Annie Smith
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: China Collins
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