Encouraging terrorism at the UN level

On September 22, the United Nations celebrated its 80th anniversary. More importantly, on the same day, the High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was held. The United Kingdom, Canada and France, among others, formally recognized the state of Palestine.

The two-state solution is promoted by many as the only viable path to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, this is not a foregone conclusion, and numerous potential pitfalls exist. So far, Palestinian authorities have proven corrupt and largely unable to correct the situation. There are clear and legitimate security concerns for Israel. As it currently appears, and as history shows, such a state could become a hotbed for destabilization, posing risks not only to Israel but to the entire region. The lack of clearly defined border demarcations exacerbates these concerns, raising doubts about the ability of a Palestinian state to rein in terrorist groups. Moreover, Palestinians themselves are not united, and the Gaza situation illustrates how Hamas has managed to become the dominant authority. The economic viability of such a state is highly questionable.

Hardliners on both sides are obstructing possible solutions, adding to the frustration.

The partition of India and Pakistan serves as a case study in how problematic a two-state solution can be. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been shaped by the violent partition of British India in 1947, the ongoing conflict over Kashmir and the numerous military confrontations that have occurred between the two nations.

The two-state solution is unrealistic. It is more of an opportunistic gesture by the UN and the governments recognizing it.

 

Hamas’s terrorist actions

Nearly two years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas (operating out of Gaza) launched a brutal and ruthless attack on Israel. Both Iran and Hamas were concerned that, following the Abraham Accords, relations between Arab nations and Israel might improve, leading to a satisfactory resolution for Palestine. Such a development would threaten Tehran’s agenda for regional destabilization and the end of Hamas. Israel was, understandably, compelled to retaliate. Hamas’s insidious – and cowardly – plan involved using Gaza’s civilian population as a shield and taking hostages. Its objective was to maximize civilian casualties, thereby portraying Israel as the aggressor.

The plan, unfortunately, succeeded.

Given Hamas’s goal of eliminating Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) found themselves with no option but to enter Gaza. Tragically, Hamas uses civilians as cover and engages in the torture and murder of hostages.

War is inherently brutal. Hamas controls the authorities in Gaza, and this makes it extremely challenging for the IDF to minimize civilian casualties. Hamas also misuses aid, including medical supplies and food. Internationally, the blame is mainly directed at Israel. As a result, large-scale demonstrations against Israel are common, and media coverage frequently reflects a similar bias.

Gaza is undoubtedly a nightmare for its residents, but it is Hamas that perpetuates this situation and forces the IDF to respond.

The two-state solution is unrealistic. GIS expert Robert Silverman highlights the reasons in a recent report. It is more of an opportunistic gesture by the UN and the governments recognizing it. Leaders, adopting a populist approach to reflect local sentiments, endorsed the two-state solution, despite knowing its limitations. The unintended – or sometimes intended – consequence is the support, reward and encouragement of Hamas and terrorism. It ignores that Hamas, not Israel, poses the danger to the Palestinian people. Terrorist groups like Hamas are also a global threat.

The Abraham Accords envisioned a peaceful regional process involving Israel and neighboring states, finding a common resolve, as well as mutual, peaceful collaboration and a satisfactory solution for the people of Palestine. The process was built on greater integration not division. This requires time, regional involvement and the elimination of terrorism driven by self-interest.

The recognition efforts at the UN General Assembly in New York were more an encouragement of terrorism for populist reasons rather than a positive outcome for the Palestinian people.

This comment was originally published here: https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/two-state-solution-flaws/