New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood
The plan emerged from a 'high-level conference' in New York on July 29, which assembled representatives of 17 states, the European Union and the Arab League. The resulting proposal is 'a comprehensive and actionable framework for the implementation of the two-state solution and the achievement of peace and security for all.'
Signatories include Turkey and the Middle Eastern states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. Europe was represented by France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and the UK. Indonesia was there for Asia, Senegal for Africa, and Brazil, Canada and Mexico for the Americas. Neither the US nor Israel were present.
Significantly, it is the first time the Arab states have called for Hamas to disarm and disband. But, while condemning Hamas's attack on Israel of October 7, 2023, and recalling that the taking of hostages is a violation of international law, the document is unsparing in its connection between a state of Palestine and an end to Israel's assault on Gaza's civilians.
It says: 'Absent decisive measures toward the two-state solution and robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.'
A plan for the reconstruction of Gaza will be developed by the Arab states and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – a Jeddah-based group which aims to be the collective voice of the Muslim world – supported by an international fund. The details will be hammered out at a Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Conference, to be held in Cairo.
It is a bold initiative. In theory, it could end the Israeli mass killing in Gaza, remove Hamas from power and begin the implementation of a process for a state of Palestine. The question is whether it has any chance of success.
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