Latest news with #TwoStateSolution
CNA
4 hours ago
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: The challenges of creating a new Palestinian state are so formidable, is it even possible?
SYDNEY: Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly meeting in September, joining the United Kingdom, Canada and France in taking the historic step. Recognising a Palestinian state is at one level symbolic – it signals a growing global consensus behind the rights of Palestinians to have their own state. In the short term, it won't impact the situation on the ground in Gaza. Practically speaking, the formation of a future Palestinian state consisting of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem is far more difficult to achieve. The Israeli government has ruled out a two-state solution and reacted with fury to the moves by the four G20 members to recognise Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision 'shameful'. So, what are the political issues that need to be resolved before a Palestinian state becomes a reality? And what is the point of recognition if it doesn't overcome these seemingly intractable obstacles? SETTLEMENTS HAVE EXPLODED The first problem is what to do about Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice has declared are illegal. Since 1967, Israel has constructed these settlements with two goals in mind: prevent any future division of Jerusalem, and expropriate sufficient territory to make a Palestinian state impossible. There are now more than 500,000 settlers in the West Bank and 233,000 in East Jerusalem. Palestinians see East Jerusalem as an indispensable part of any future state. They will never countenance a state without it as their capital. In May, the Israeli government announced it would also build 22 new settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem – the largest settler expansion in decades. Defence Minister Israel Katz described this as a 'strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel'. The Israeli government has also moved closer to fully annexing the West Bank in recent months. GEOGRAPHICAL COMPLEXITIES OF A FUTURE STATE Second is the issue of a future border between a Palestinian state and Israel. The demarcations of the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem are not internationally recognised borders. Rather, they are the ceasefire lines, known as the 'Green Line', from the 1948 War that saw the creation of Israel. However, in the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured and occupied the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula (since returned), and Syria's Golan Heights. And successive Israeli governments have used the construction of settlements in the occupied territories, alongside expansive infrastructure, to create new 'facts on the ground'. Israel solidifies its hold on this territory by designating it as 'state land', meaning it no longer recognises Palestinian ownership, further inhibiting the possibility of a future Palestinian state. For example, according to research by Israeli professor Neve Gordon, Jerusalem's municipal boundaries covered approximately 7 sq km before 1967. Since then, Israeli settlement construction has expanded its eastern boundaries, so it now covers about 70 sq km. Israel also uses its Separation Wall or Barrier, which runs for around 700km through the West Bank and East Jerusalem, to further expropriate Palestinian territory. According to a 2013 book by researchers Ariella Azoulay and Adi Ophir, the wall is part of the Israeli government's policy of cleansing Israeli space of any Palestinian presence. It breaks up contiguous Palestinian urban and rural spaces, cutting off some 150 Palestinian communities from their farmland and pastureland. The barrier is reinforced by other methods of separation, such as checkpoints, earth mounds, roadblocks, trenches, road gates and barriers, and earth walls. Then there is the complex geography of Israel's occupation in the West Bank. Under the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, the West Bank was divided into three areas, labelled Area A, Area B and Area C. In Area A, which consists of 18 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority exercises majority control. Area B is under joint Israeli-Palestinian authority. Area C, which comprises 60 per cent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control. Administrative control was meant to be gradually transferred to Palestinian control under the Oslo Accords, but this never happened. Areas A and B are today separated into many small divisions that remain isolated from one another due to Israeli control over Area C. This deliberate ghettoisation creates separate rules, laws and norms in the West Bank that are intended to prevent freedom of movement between the Palestinian zones and inhibit the realisation of a Palestinian state. WHO WILL GOVERN A FUTURE STATE? Finally, there are the conditions that Western governments have placed on recognition of a Palestinian state, which rob Palestinians of their agency. Chief among these is the stipulation that Hamas will not play a role in the governance of a future Palestinian state. This has been backed by the Arab League, which has also called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in Gaza. Fatah and Hamas are currently the only two movements in Palestinian politics capable of forming a government. In a May poll, 32 per cent of respondents in both Gaza and the West Bank said they preferred Hamas, compared with 21 per cent support for Fatah. One-third did not support either or had no opinion. Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, is deeply unpopular, with 80 per cent of Palestinians wanting him to resign. A 'reformed' Palestinian Authority is the West's preferred option to govern a future Palestinian state. But if Western powers deny Palestinians the opportunity to elect a government of their choosing by dictating who can participate, the new government would likely be seen as illegitimate. This risks repeating the mistakes of Western attempts to install governments of their choosing in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also plays into the hands of Hamas hardliners, who mistrust democracy and see it as a tool to impose puppet governments in Palestine, as well as Israel's narrative that Palestinians are incapable of governing themselves. Redressing these issues and the myriad others will take time, money and considerable effort. The question is, how much political capital are the leaders of France, the UK, Canada and Australia (and others) willing to expend to ensure their recognition of Palestine results in an actual state? What if Israel refuses to dismantle its settlements and Separation Wall, and moves ahead with annexing the West Bank? What are these Western leaders willing or able to do? In the past, they have been unwilling to do more than issue strongly worded statements in the face of Israeli refusals to advance the two-state solution. Given these doubts around the political will and actual power of Western states to compel Israel to agree to the two-state solution, it begs the question: what and who is recognition for?
Al Arabiya
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US political analyst says Saudi Arabia has ‘geopolitical lead' on Gaza
In order to put an end to the ongoing crisis in Gaza Hamas would have to disarm and leave the enclave, according to US economist and political analyst Jeffrey Sachs. 'I think Hamas should disarm and leave Gaza in the context of implementing the two-state solution unambiguously with Gaza being taken over in security terms by an Arab group under an Arab League in support of the Palestinian Authority,' he told Al Arabiya English's Melinda Nucifora on CounterPoints. Sachs also stressed that the Arab League should help implement a ceasefire, adding that the Gaza crisis is a regional issue. '(…) I think that the Arab League should actually step forward in a very practical operational way right now and make clear that the Arab League will support the Palestinian Authority to take the responsibility in Gaza and that Israel must get out of this because genocide is enough. We've seen enough. No more!' Moreover, he said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should play a leading role in the Arab world regarding Gaza due to its political leverage. 'We're past the Western world. It's time really honestly with all respect for the Arab world to lead right now on this issue and for the Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, because Saudi Arabia clearly has the geopolitical lead on the Palestinian issue right now to say: 'No occupation!',' he said. On Thursday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his government's intention to take complete control of Gaza, leading to international backlash. In addition to Saudi Arabia, Sachs also stressed the importance of France. 'I would hope that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France as the co-conveners of the implementation of the two-state solution which reported out to the UN General Assembly at the end of July together, that's President Macron, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would together say: 'This is unacceptable and it's not going to happen!'' In July, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. It then hosted a Two-State Solution Conference at the UN together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Sachs said that the US should not play the dominating role in implementing a ceasefire in Gaza. 'The US is the most dishonest broker in this. It has nothing but Israel in its intentions.'
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Easy English 12 August 2025
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . There have been mixed reactions to the news that the federal government will recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations in September. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the move is part of a coordinated global effort for a two-state solution. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza." The Executive Council of Australian Jewry says they are disappointed but not surprised by the announcement. Co-Chief executive Alex Ryvchin says the move will be viewed in the Jewish community as a punitive measure towards Israel and a reward for Palestinian violence. "The government has departed from decades of bipartisan consensus which has envisioned Palestinian recognition and statehood as part of a comprehensive agreement between, Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab States. Australia is now committed to recognising a state with no agreed borders, no single government in effective control of its territory, and no capacity to live in peace with its neighbours". The Australia Palestine Action Network says the federal government's decision is not enough. The organisation's President, Nasser Mashni, says Australia must also be much tougher on Israel for what he says is its mistreatment of Palestinians. "Recognition is completely meaningless while Australia continues to trade, to supply arms, to have diplomatic relations, and to diplomatically protect, and encourage other states to normalise, with this very state that is committing these atrocities." A man is being interviewed by police after a man and a woman were found dead in a Melbourne home. The pair were found inside the home in Mount Waverley, in Melbourne's southeast. Homicide Squad detective Dean Thomas says the discovery was made after police received a call from a concerned neighbour who heard yelling coming from the property. He has told Channel 7 the relationship between the man they are speaking with and the alleged victims is yet to be determined. "At this stage we don't know the connection between the suspect we have in custody and of course, the occupant of the address. We have not yet formally identified the male and or female. That will occur throughout the course of the day." Colombian conservative senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe has died in hospital, more than a month after he was shot during a campaign rally in Bogota. The 39-year-old senator had been shot in the head during the rally by a suspected 15 year old teenager. Authorities have arrested six suspects linked to the attack, including the alleged shooter. A 12 month trial is underway in New South Wales on the use of body worn cameras by hospital staff. Health Minister Ryan Park says security staff at selected sites will be able to activate the cameras in response to aggression and violence in the hospital. He says the trial will determine how effective the cameras are at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents. A total of 15 hospitals in Sydney are part of the trial, while hospitals in Lismore and Port Macquarie are also included. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas says it's unclear how long the destructive algal bloom will persist along the state's coastline. The federal environment minister, Murray Watt, has apologised for the government's slow response to the bloom, which has killed tens of thousands of marine animals since March. But Mr Malinauskas has told Sky News he's hopeful the event passes soon. "There's a significant cohort of scientists who are still of the view of the algal bloom will pass us by in the cooler months, you know, which we've probably got around about six or seven weeks of left. But there is also a very real possibility that this is still around in Spring and Summer, and that will present a different suite of challenges and that's what we're preparing for as a government. We're preparing for the worst and hoping for the best." Three of Australia's leaders are in the Pacific this week to strengthen ties in the region. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is in Port Moresby today. He's meeting with the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and the country's defence minister. He will later join Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy in Vanuatu, where they will meet with leader Jotham Napat to discuss the Nakapal agreement.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Australia to recognise Palestinian state in September
Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, following similar moves by the UK, France and Canada, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said. Albanese said Australia received commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) including to demilitarise, hold general elections and continue to recognise Israel's right to exist. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza," he said on Monday. Israel, under increasing pressure to end the war in Gaza, has said recognising a Palestinian state "rewards terrorism". Since Saturday, five people have died as a result of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, bringing the total number to 217 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. It also said that in total more than 61,000 people have been killed as a result of Israel's military campaign since 2023. Israel launched its offensive in response to the Hamas-led attack on 7 October that year, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. The Palestinian Authority, which controls parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, earlier said recognition of statehood shows growing support for self-determination of its people. Albanese said the decision was made after his government received commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would play no role in any future state. The move also comes after conversations with his counterparts in the UK, France, New Zealand, and Japan over the past fortnight, Albanese said. "There is a moment of opportunity here, and Australia will work with the international community to seize it," he told the media. Last Sunday, a pro-Palestinian protest drew tens of thousands of supporters who walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day after a court ruling allowed the demonstration to happen. Bowen: UK move to recognise Palestinian state is a diplomatic crowbar to revive peace process What does recognising a Palestinian state mean? The US has stated it will not follow suit and believes that recognising Palestinian statehood would be rewarding Hamas. Over the weekend, US Vice-President JD Vance reiterated the US had no plans to recognise a Palestinian state, citing a lack of functional government. At a press conference on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised countries planning to recognise Palestinian statehood. "To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole… it is disappointing - and I think it's actually shameful," he said. "They know what they would do if, right next to Melbourne or right next to Sydney, you had this horrific attack. I think you would do at least what we're doing." The Executive Council of Australian Jewry called Albanese's decision a "betrayal and abandonment of the Israeli hostages who continue to languish in appalling conditions in Gaza". The announcement gives the hostages "no hope for release" and "leaves Hamas armed and in control of territory", it said in a statement. Israel has come under fire in recent days over its plans to take over Gaza City, with UN ambassadors condemning the move which Netanyahu says is the "best way" to end the war. Last year, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised Palestine as a state, in the hopes it would encourage a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The state of Palestine is currently recognised by 147 of the UN's 193 member states. At the UN, it has the status of a "permanent observer state", allowing participation but no voting rights.
Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Recognizing a Palestinian State Is a Rebuke to Hamas
The decision by France, the U.K., Canada and Australia to recognize a Palestinian state in September is morally right and reflects a global consensus. More than 140 countries agree that the Palestinian people are entitled to self-determination alongside a secure Israel. Yet with the Gaza crisis still unfolding, this focus on recognition seems totally beside the more pressing realities. Amid the suffering of Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages—and Israel's announced plan to occupy all or part of the enclave—averting famine, recovering the hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza are the priorities. Talk of two states can wait.
