Should Israel to allow Palestine be an independent state? (802)
bestbeforesomewhere, Dorset, England UK116 Threads 2 Polls 4,701 Posts---- IMAGE REMOVED because photobucket.com no longer allows embedded images ----
I found this interesting.
The issue of Palestinian statehood is one of the most publicized, debated and talked about issues in our world today. There are very few things that can be agreed upon by both sides of this divisive issue. Conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis emerged in 1948, when the United Nations provided for two states in Palestine, a Jewish one and an Arab one. Following the resolution, the Jews in Palestine were attacked by every neighboring Arab nation. The Jews were not only able to survive this attack but were also able to set up a stable state that included the lands provided for the Arabs in Palestine by the United Nations. These are perhaps the only FACTS regarding the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
Everything after this point really becomes a matter of opinion. Let’s take the 1967 war. It can be looked upon by some as an example of Israel’s aggression against its Arab neighbors by refusing to return conquered lands. Others may look upon it as a defensive war in which Israel had to take land in order to defend itself, and eventually even returned those lands.
Jumping ahead to the intifadas, one could say that they were actions of terror against innocent Israeli citizens. Another could argue that they were revolts against an occupying force.
Let’s jump ahead to the modern day. What is the major issue today in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Palestinian recognition by the United Nations. The United States and Israel are adamantly against Palestine being recognized as a state. The Palestinians and their Arab state allies are in favor of it. The Rest of the world is divided. This is the issue of our day. So, is a two-state solution possible? My answer is yes. However recognition of a Palestinian State by the United Nations is not the best way to achieve lasting peace.
The issue of Palestinian statehood is one of the most publicized, debated and talked about issues in our world today. There are very few things that can be agreed upon by both sides of this divisive issue. Conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis emerged in 1948, when the United Nations provided for two states in Palestine, a Jewish one and an Arab one. Following the resolution, the Jews in Palestine were attacked by every neighboring Arab nation. The Jews were not only able to survive this attack but were also able to set up a stable state that included the lands provided for the Arabs in Palestine by the United Nations. These are perhaps the only FACTS regarding the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
Everything after this point really becomes a matter of opinion. Let’s take the 1967 war. It can be looked upon by some as an example of Israel’s aggression against its Arab neighbors by refusing to return conquered lands. Others may look upon it as a defensive war in which Israel had to take land in order to defend itself, and eventually even returned those lands.
Jumping ahead to the intifadas, one could say that they were actions of terror against innocent Israeli citizens. Another could argue that they were revolts against an occupying force.
Let’s jump ahead to the modern day. What is the major issue today in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Palestinian recognition by the United Nations. The United States and Israel are adamantly against Palestine being recognized as a state. The Palestinians and their Arab state allies are in favor of it. The Rest of the world is divided. This is the issue of our day. So, is a two-state solution possible? My answer is yes. However recognition of a Palestinian State by the United Nations is not the best way to achieve lasting peace.
Here’s why.
1) Palestine does not yet fit the definition of a state.
Let’s start with what defines a State or an independent country. An independent State:
Has space or territory which has internationally recognized boundaries (boundary disputes are OK).
There are no current agreed upon borders for a Palestinian state. Would it include all of Jerusalem, East Jerusalem, none of Jerusalem, the Israeli settlements, none of the settlements etc. No one knows for sure yet what a Palestinian State would be. If the United Nations voted to recognize Palestine, they would be recognizing a state with no definite borders.
Has a government which provides public services and police power.
The Palestinian state currently has two different governments, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Fatah in the West Bank. This means that you would recognize one state with two governments. This political uncertainty is not indicative of a viable state. It would be impossible for trade and domestic affairs to be regulated by the government considering there is no one government that can make decisions.
Has sovereignty. No other State should have power over the country’s territory.
United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state would not solve the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel would never just abandon these settlers in the new Palestinian state and would not remove them without some sort of peace deal, thus Israel would continue to have some power over what would be recognized as Palestinian territory by the United Nations. Once again, Palestine is missing a defining aspect of what it would mean to be a state.
Thus Palestine does not fit the definition of a state and recognizing it as such would be premature and a mistake.
2) There Can Be No lasting peace without a deal with Israel.
No one thinks that recognition by the United Nations of a Palestinian state would solve the issues between Israel and the Palestinians or lead to a lasting peace. In fact, such a move would most likely just lead to more war and bloodshed. Before Palestine can be recognized as a full member of the United Nations they must work out a peace agreement with Israel. This agreement must:
a) Define the borders of the Palestinian state.
b) Settle the issue of settlers in the West Bank
c) Have the new Palestinian state recognize Israel and
d) Resolve the issue of Jerusalem.
Until this deal is reached, recognition by the United Nations would be pointless and non- substantive.
1) Palestine does not yet fit the definition of a state.
Let’s start with what defines a State or an independent country. An independent State:
Has space or territory which has internationally recognized boundaries (boundary disputes are OK).
There are no current agreed upon borders for a Palestinian state. Would it include all of Jerusalem, East Jerusalem, none of Jerusalem, the Israeli settlements, none of the settlements etc. No one knows for sure yet what a Palestinian State would be. If the United Nations voted to recognize Palestine, they would be recognizing a state with no definite borders.
Has a government which provides public services and police power.
The Palestinian state currently has two different governments, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Fatah in the West Bank. This means that you would recognize one state with two governments. This political uncertainty is not indicative of a viable state. It would be impossible for trade and domestic affairs to be regulated by the government considering there is no one government that can make decisions.
Has sovereignty. No other State should have power over the country’s territory.
United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state would not solve the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel would never just abandon these settlers in the new Palestinian state and would not remove them without some sort of peace deal, thus Israel would continue to have some power over what would be recognized as Palestinian territory by the United Nations. Once again, Palestine is missing a defining aspect of what it would mean to be a state.
Thus Palestine does not fit the definition of a state and recognizing it as such would be premature and a mistake.
2) There Can Be No lasting peace without a deal with Israel.
No one thinks that recognition by the United Nations of a Palestinian state would solve the issues between Israel and the Palestinians or lead to a lasting peace. In fact, such a move would most likely just lead to more war and bloodshed. Before Palestine can be recognized as a full member of the United Nations they must work out a peace agreement with Israel. This agreement must:
a) Define the borders of the Palestinian state.
b) Settle the issue of settlers in the West Bank
c) Have the new Palestinian state recognize Israel and
d) Resolve the issue of Jerusalem.
Until this deal is reached, recognition by the United Nations would be pointless and non- substantive.
3) Palestine is run by terrorist organizations.
The Gaza strip is governed by an internationally recognized terrorist group, Hamas. Hamas routinely calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of all the Jews in Israel. Recognizing a government that is bent on the genocide of the citizens of its neighbor would be irresponsible. In the West Bank you are also dealing with an internationally recognized, though less violent, terrorist group called Fatah. The leader of the Palestinian government in the West Bank is Mahmoud Abbas. A man who wrote his doctoral thesis on why the Holocaust did not happen. Either way you are dealing with extreme governments bent on the destruction of Israel,. Until more moderate governments are elected, one’s that recognize Israel and the horrors of the Holocaust, then a peace agreement can be reached and then Palestine can be recognized as a full member of the United Nations.
________________________________________________________________________________________
For the reasons listed above it would be irresponsible for the United Nations to recognize Palestine as a state. Palestine, as it currently stands is a borderless, hostile region with governments unwilling to recognize Israel’s right to exist. If the true goal of the Palestinians, the United Nations, the world and all the people who want a two-state solution is stability and peace in the middle east, I must say that this is the wrong way to go. To quote the current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “The truth is that if Israel were to put down its arms there would be no more Israel. If the Arabs were to put down their arms there would be no more war.”
The Gaza strip is governed by an internationally recognized terrorist group, Hamas. Hamas routinely calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of all the Jews in Israel. Recognizing a government that is bent on the genocide of the citizens of its neighbor would be irresponsible. In the West Bank you are also dealing with an internationally recognized, though less violent, terrorist group called Fatah. The leader of the Palestinian government in the West Bank is Mahmoud Abbas. A man who wrote his doctoral thesis on why the Holocaust did not happen. Either way you are dealing with extreme governments bent on the destruction of Israel,. Until more moderate governments are elected, one’s that recognize Israel and the horrors of the Holocaust, then a peace agreement can be reached and then Palestine can be recognized as a full member of the United Nations.
________________________________________________________________________________________
For the reasons listed above it would be irresponsible for the United Nations to recognize Palestine as a state. Palestine, as it currently stands is a borderless, hostile region with governments unwilling to recognize Israel’s right to exist. If the true goal of the Palestinians, the United Nations, the world and all the people who want a two-state solution is stability and peace in the middle east, I must say that this is the wrong way to go. To quote the current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “The truth is that if Israel were to put down its arms there would be no more Israel. If the Arabs were to put down their arms there would be no more war.”
Restrictions have kept Israelis safe from attack, alongside security coordination with Palestinian officials. With a lull in violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed dozens of checkpoints in the past few years, contributing to an economic revival in the West Bank.
“The whole problem is to find a reasonable balance between the demands of the security and allowing the Palestinian population in the West Bank as normal a life as possible and to allow the economy to thrive,” said Israeli security analyst Ephraim Sneh, a retired general who once led the military administration overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank.
But Palestinians say easing restrictions isn’t enough. Officials argue while they can understand Israel defending its de-facto border, there are still some 500 obstacles — road blocks, checkpoints, dirt mounds — scattered through the West Bank to protect dozens of Jewish settlements. Those settlements — particularly those deep within the West Bank — hinder the possibility of creating a viable Palestinian state.
In a recent report, the United Nations said Palestinians in some 70 West Bank villages encountered Israeli roadblocks that forced them to use indirect routes that dramatically lengthened their travels and affected their access to employment, education and medical care. The roadblocks were to protect Jewish settlements, military bases and roads used by Israelis.
Associated Press via the Jakarta Globe
It's not black & white...
“The whole problem is to find a reasonable balance between the demands of the security and allowing the Palestinian population in the West Bank as normal a life as possible and to allow the economy to thrive,” said Israeli security analyst Ephraim Sneh, a retired general who once led the military administration overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank.
But Palestinians say easing restrictions isn’t enough. Officials argue while they can understand Israel defending its de-facto border, there are still some 500 obstacles — road blocks, checkpoints, dirt mounds — scattered through the West Bank to protect dozens of Jewish settlements. Those settlements — particularly those deep within the West Bank — hinder the possibility of creating a viable Palestinian state.
In a recent report, the United Nations said Palestinians in some 70 West Bank villages encountered Israeli roadblocks that forced them to use indirect routes that dramatically lengthened their travels and affected their access to employment, education and medical care. The roadblocks were to protect Jewish settlements, military bases and roads used by Israelis.
Associated Press via the Jakarta Globe
It's not black & white...
Question: What are some roadblocks to the road map for Middle East peace?
You won't find many who don't want to see peace in the Middle East, but the good-on-paper solutions face many real hurdles.
Answer: The two-state solution is a three-state solution at this point: Fatah and Hamas violently split in 2007, with Fatah supporters being thrown from tall buildings in Gaza and corresponding retaliation. The West Bank is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and Fatah President Mahmoud Abbas. This is the only government that the West and Israel deal with. Hamas controls Gaza and is adamantly opposed to existing peace proposals with Israel, and continues to attempt to plunge farther into Israeli territory by launching rocket attacks into the Jewish state. With no sign of a new unity government in sight, an agreement with the Palestinians at this point would be with a fractured Palestinian leadership.
You won't find many who don't want to see peace in the Middle East, but the good-on-paper solutions face many real hurdles.
Answer: The two-state solution is a three-state solution at this point: Fatah and Hamas violently split in 2007, with Fatah supporters being thrown from tall buildings in Gaza and corresponding retaliation. The West Bank is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and Fatah President Mahmoud Abbas. This is the only government that the West and Israel deal with. Hamas controls Gaza and is adamantly opposed to existing peace proposals with Israel, and continues to attempt to plunge farther into Israeli territory by launching rocket attacks into the Jewish state. With no sign of a new unity government in sight, an agreement with the Palestinians at this point would be with a fractured Palestinian leadership.
A demand that would never be accepted by the Palestinians: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports a two-state solution that would shore up the territories for the long run through economic rebuilding efforts. But he also wants a Palestinian state to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. This would run afoul of most Muslim believers in the region, and any Palestinian leader who might accept this demand would likely meet the fate of Anwar Sadat.
Another demand that would never be accepted by many Palestinians: The cessation of attacks upon Israel. The militant wings of Hamas and Fatah -- the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, respectively, as well as numerous militant shoot-offs -- are too invested in the destruction of Israel, and the militant wings are inextricably linked to their respective parties.
Another demand that would never be accepted by many Palestinians: The cessation of attacks upon Israel. The militant wings of Hamas and Fatah -- the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, respectively, as well as numerous militant shoot-offs -- are too invested in the destruction of Israel, and the militant wings are inextricably linked to their respective parties.
The question of Jerusalem: A sacred city to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the split of Jerusalem is a deal-breaker to many and unavoidable to others. The Arab Peace Initiative, also known as the Saudi peace plan, would hack off the old part of Jerusalem for a Palestinian state. This plan is backed by neither Israel nor the West; along with religious and territorial considerations, the question of security is brought up in such a split.
The constituencies: Though politicians may be ready to make a deal, both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are keenly aware of the fear or anger that could result among their people by brokering a solution. The pullout from the Gaza Strip as a good-faith gesture and subsequent violence, for example, put more hawkish leadership back in charge in Israel.
The constituencies: Though politicians may be ready to make a deal, both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are keenly aware of the fear or anger that could result among their people by brokering a solution. The pullout from the Gaza Strip as a good-faith gesture and subsequent violence, for example, put more hawkish leadership back in charge in Israel.
Morning Class
At least you have researched and found out some truthful interesting facts.
I enjoyed this thread except for the continued lack of knowledge, and the assumption that everyone else is wrong, yet others ridicule, because they think they are right.
A debate is what it states,discussion and seeing things from everyone's point of view .Unfortunately this is not in the best interest of a few and polite discussion is not in their curriculum. I just wish that the Authors of these threads would participate more.
At least you have researched and found out some truthful interesting facts.
I enjoyed this thread except for the continued lack of knowledge, and the assumption that everyone else is wrong, yet others ridicule, because they think they are right.
A debate is what it states,discussion and seeing things from everyone's point of view .Unfortunately this is not in the best interest of a few and polite discussion is not in their curriculum. I just wish that the Authors of these threads would participate more.
bestbefore: Morning Class
At least you have researched and found out some truthful interesting facts.
I enjoyed this thread except for the continued lack of knowledge, and the assumption that everyone else is wrong, yet others ridicule, because they think they are right.A debate is what it states,discussion and seeing things from everyone's point of view .Unfortunately this is not in the best interest of a few and polite discussion is not in their curriculum. I just wish that the Authors of these threads would participate more.
At least you have researched and found out some truthful interesting facts.
I enjoyed this thread except for the continued lack of knowledge, and the assumption that everyone else is wrong, yet others ridicule, because they think they are right.A debate is what it states,discussion and seeing things from everyone's point of view .Unfortunately this is not in the best interest of a few and polite discussion is not in their curriculum. I just wish that the Authors of these threads would participate more.
I agree and feel humble in light of your statement. It is strange how the authors light these fires and sit back and watch the conflagration. However, with a topic as sensitive as this, the OP can quickly lose control.
It has been said that one shouldn't argue with idiots, for they bring one down to their level and then beat one with experience. It is to my shame at times, that I behave in a similar fashion to these individuals, but at least I recognise it, and have the emotional intelligence to try and prevent it.
It does no-one a service to behave as badly as some people on here, and when I go down to that level, I know it's time for a break.
FirasLion: Lets wait for more years,they will be living in Europe again and the Arabs and the Muslim world will be happy to organize trips to AL Quds the capital of the Palestinian state.
Viva Palestina
Viva Palestina
Morning Firs.
World peace would be nicer,but at the moment I'd settle for some peace in the Forums.
Former Mossad head advocates Saudi peace plan
Jason Koutsoukis.
JERUSALEM: A former chief of Israeli intelligence, Meir Dagan, has urged political leaders to embrace the so-called Saudi peace initiative under which Israel would withdraw to its 1967 borders and give East Jerusalem back to the Palestinians.
In a forthright contradiction of the position of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that a withdrawal to 1967 borders posed an unacceptable security risk, Mr Dagan said Israel ''must present an initiative to the Palestinians''.
''We must adopt the Saudi initiative,'' Mr Dagan said.
''We have no other way, and not because [the Palestinians] are my top priority, but because I am concerned about Israel's wellbeing and I want to do what I can to ensure Israel's existence.
''If we don't make proposals and if we don't take the initiative, we will eventually find ourselves in a corner.''
The Saudi peace initiative, also known as the Arab peace initiative, was first proposed in 2002 and also calls for a ''just'' solution to the Palestinian refugee crisis.
In return, the world's Arab and Muslim states would sign a peace agreement with Israel and establish normal relations with it within the framework of a comprehensive peace.
Mr Dagan, who was the director of the Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, said it was in Israel's interest to ''put the ball in [the Palestinians'] court''
''Let them have the dilemma. Since 1994 [shortly after the Oslo agreements], every time that Israel has taken the initiative it has created a good situation for us,'' Mr Dagan said.
''Today's leadership does not connect with responsibility. But leadership has a deep connection with responsibility.
''Recently the leadership has failed to put forth a vision, and I am not speaking only about the current government. It is important for leaders to set goals
Jason Koutsoukis.
JERUSALEM: A former chief of Israeli intelligence, Meir Dagan, has urged political leaders to embrace the so-called Saudi peace initiative under which Israel would withdraw to its 1967 borders and give East Jerusalem back to the Palestinians.
In a forthright contradiction of the position of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that a withdrawal to 1967 borders posed an unacceptable security risk, Mr Dagan said Israel ''must present an initiative to the Palestinians''.
''We must adopt the Saudi initiative,'' Mr Dagan said.
''We have no other way, and not because [the Palestinians] are my top priority, but because I am concerned about Israel's wellbeing and I want to do what I can to ensure Israel's existence.
''If we don't make proposals and if we don't take the initiative, we will eventually find ourselves in a corner.''
The Saudi peace initiative, also known as the Arab peace initiative, was first proposed in 2002 and also calls for a ''just'' solution to the Palestinian refugee crisis.
In return, the world's Arab and Muslim states would sign a peace agreement with Israel and establish normal relations with it within the framework of a comprehensive peace.
Mr Dagan, who was the director of the Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, said it was in Israel's interest to ''put the ball in [the Palestinians'] court''
''Let them have the dilemma. Since 1994 [shortly after the Oslo agreements], every time that Israel has taken the initiative it has created a good situation for us,'' Mr Dagan said.
''Today's leadership does not connect with responsibility. But leadership has a deep connection with responsibility.
''Recently the leadership has failed to put forth a vision, and I am not speaking only about the current government. It is important for leaders to set goals
''Wisdom and good decisions have nothing to do with the fact that you were elected.''
Mr Dagan also signalled another point of difference with Mr Netanyahu over the recent reconciliation agreement between the rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas, which Mr Netanyahu says prohibits negotiations with the Palestinians because Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist.
Describing the reconciliation as problematic, Mr Dagan urged a wait-and-see approach.
''We will have to wait and watch things develop [between Fatah and Hamas].
''I don't think this is an historic alliance. Hamas has still not allowed Abu Mazen [the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas] to come to Gaza.''
With rumours swirling yesterday that a deal had been reached with Hamas to release the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Mr Dagan said opposed bringing Mr Shalit home at ''any price''.
''The price is a blood price, and it is not easy.''
Another point of view.
Mr Dagan also signalled another point of difference with Mr Netanyahu over the recent reconciliation agreement between the rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas, which Mr Netanyahu says prohibits negotiations with the Palestinians because Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist.
Describing the reconciliation as problematic, Mr Dagan urged a wait-and-see approach.
''We will have to wait and watch things develop [between Fatah and Hamas].
''I don't think this is an historic alliance. Hamas has still not allowed Abu Mazen [the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas] to come to Gaza.''
With rumours swirling yesterday that a deal had been reached with Hamas to release the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Mr Dagan said opposed bringing Mr Shalit home at ''any price''.
''The price is a blood price, and it is not easy.''
Another point of view.
The text of the Arab peace initiative often mentioned in these threads.
The Arab Peace Initiative
The Council of Arab States at the Summit Level at its 14th Ordinary Session,
Reaffirming the resolution taken in June 1996 at the Cairo Extra-Ordinary Arab Summit that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the strategic option of the Arab countries, to be achieved in accordance with international legality, and which would require a comparable commitment on the part of the Israeli government,
Having listened to the statement made by his royal highness Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which his highness presented his initiative calling for full Israeli withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967, in implementation of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, reaffirmed by the Madrid Conference of 1991 and the land-for-peace principle, and Israel's acceptance of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in return for the establishment of normal relations in the context of a comprehensive peace with Israel,
Emanating from the conviction of the Arab countries that a military solution to the conflict will not achieve peace or provide security for the parties, the council:
The Arab Peace Initiative
The Council of Arab States at the Summit Level at its 14th Ordinary Session,
Reaffirming the resolution taken in June 1996 at the Cairo Extra-Ordinary Arab Summit that a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is the strategic option of the Arab countries, to be achieved in accordance with international legality, and which would require a comparable commitment on the part of the Israeli government,
Having listened to the statement made by his royal highness Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, crown prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which his highness presented his initiative calling for full Israeli withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied since June 1967, in implementation of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, reaffirmed by the Madrid Conference of 1991 and the land-for-peace principle, and Israel's acceptance of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in return for the establishment of normal relations in the context of a comprehensive peace with Israel,
Emanating from the conviction of the Arab countries that a military solution to the conflict will not achieve peace or provide security for the parties, the council:
1. Requests Israel to reconsider its policies and declare that a just peace is its strategic option as well.
2. Further calls upon Israel to affirm:
I- Full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights, to the June 4, 1967 lines as well as the remaining occupied Lebanese territories in the south of Lebanon.
II- Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.
III- The acceptance of the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
3. Consequently, the Arab countries affirm the following:
I- Consider the Arab-Israeli conflict ended, and enter into a peace agreement with Israel, and provide security for all the states of the region.
II- Establish normal relations with Israel in the context of this comprehensive peace
2. Further calls upon Israel to affirm:
I- Full Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights, to the June 4, 1967 lines as well as the remaining occupied Lebanese territories in the south of Lebanon.
II- Achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem to be agreed upon in accordance with U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.
III- The acceptance of the establishment of a sovereign independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian territories occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
3. Consequently, the Arab countries affirm the following:
I- Consider the Arab-Israeli conflict ended, and enter into a peace agreement with Israel, and provide security for all the states of the region.
II- Establish normal relations with Israel in the context of this comprehensive peace
4. Assures the rejection of all forms of Palestinian patriation which conflict with the special circumstances of the Arab host countries.
5. Calls upon the government of Israel and all Israelis to accept this initiative in order to safeguard the prospects for peace and stop the further shedding of blood, enabling the Arab countries and Israel to live in peace and good neighbourliness and provide future generations with security, stability and prosperity.
6. Invites the international community and all countries and organisations to support this initiative.
7. Requests the chairman of the summit to form a special committee composed of some of its concerned member states and the secretary general of the League of Arab States to pursue the necessary contacts to gain support for this initiative at all levels, particularly from the United Nations, the Security Council, the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the Muslim states and the European Union.
5. Calls upon the government of Israel and all Israelis to accept this initiative in order to safeguard the prospects for peace and stop the further shedding of blood, enabling the Arab countries and Israel to live in peace and good neighbourliness and provide future generations with security, stability and prosperity.
6. Invites the international community and all countries and organisations to support this initiative.
7. Requests the chairman of the summit to form a special committee composed of some of its concerned member states and the secretary general of the League of Arab States to pursue the necessary contacts to gain support for this initiative at all levels, particularly from the United Nations, the Security Council, the United States of America, the Russian Federation, the Muslim states and the European Union.
For purposes of comparison, the following is an earlier draft discussed by Arab foreign ministers on 25 March, 2002, in advance of the summit:
The Council of the Arab League, which convenes at the level of a summit on March 27-28, 2002 in Beirut, affirms the Arab position that achieving just and comprehensive peace is a strategic choice and goal for the Arab states.
After the Council heard the statement of Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in which he called for the establishment of normal relations in the context of a comprehensive peace with Israel, and that Israel declares its readiness to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories in compliance with United Nations resolutions 242 and 338 and Security Council resolution 1397, enhanced by the Madrid conference and the land-for-peace principle, and the acceptance of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital, the Council calls on the Israeli government to review its policy and to resort to peace while declaring that just peace is its strategic option.
The Council of the Arab League, which convenes at the level of a summit on March 27-28, 2002 in Beirut, affirms the Arab position that achieving just and comprehensive peace is a strategic choice and goal for the Arab states.
After the Council heard the statement of Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in which he called for the establishment of normal relations in the context of a comprehensive peace with Israel, and that Israel declares its readiness to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories in compliance with United Nations resolutions 242 and 338 and Security Council resolution 1397, enhanced by the Madrid conference and the land-for-peace principle, and the acceptance of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital, the Council calls on the Israeli government to review its policy and to resort to peace while declaring that just peace is its strategic option.
The Council also calls on Israel to assert the following:
Complete withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including full withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the remaining occupied parts of south Lebanon to the June 4, 1967 lines.
To accept to find an agreed, just solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees in conformity with Resolution 194.
To accept an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the Palestinian lands occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and with Jerusalem (al-Quds al-Sharif) as its capital in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1397.
In return, the Arab states assert the following:
To consider the Arab-Israeli conflict over and to enter into a peace treaty with Israel to consolidate this.
To achieve comprehensive peace for all the states of the region.
To establish normal relations within the context of comprehensive peace with Israel.
Complete withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including full withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the remaining occupied parts of south Lebanon to the June 4, 1967 lines.
To accept to find an agreed, just solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees in conformity with Resolution 194.
To accept an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the Palestinian lands occupied since June 4, 1967 in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and with Jerusalem (al-Quds al-Sharif) as its capital in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1397.
In return, the Arab states assert the following:
To consider the Arab-Israeli conflict over and to enter into a peace treaty with Israel to consolidate this.
To achieve comprehensive peace for all the states of the region.
To establish normal relations within the context of comprehensive peace with Israel.
The Council calls on the Israeli government and the Israelis as a whole to accept this initiative to protect the prospects of peace and to spare bloodshed so as to enable the Arab states and Israel to coexist side by side and to provide for the coming generations a secure, stable and prosperous future.
It calls on the international community with all its organisations and states to support the initiative.
The Council calls on its presidency, its secretary general and its follow-up committee to follow up on the special contacts related to this initiative and to support it on all levels, including the United Nations, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the Security Council.
It calls on the international community with all its organisations and states to support the initiative.
The Council calls on its presidency, its secretary general and its follow-up committee to follow up on the special contacts related to this initiative and to support it on all levels, including the United Nations, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the Security Council.
There is no easy fix. There is nothing to gain in apportioning blame. Anti-Semitism is vile in any form, as is displacing a people from their homeland. Both parties in this conflict have blood on their hands, and both help perpetuate the cycle of violence. It is this cycle that needs to be broken and only then, can these peoples live together.
However, racial and religious intolerance hamper this process and only fuel the fires of hatred; the need for vengeance; the use of human shields; the incessant propaganda war and the generational violence.
History doesn't matter. The 'I was here first' argument is rubbish. It does not matter. What does matter is that the Jewish people are there in Israel and everyone has to come to terms with it. Having said that, I wish the Palestinians could enjoy peaceful lives devoted to the pursuit of prosperity and happiness.
It is a difficult situation, and greater individuals than any of us have worked on it with no solution in sight for the near future.
Moreover, what this thread has demonstrated is that the very problems that come with a clash of culture and ideals and are evident throughout the Arab-Israeli conflict are mirrored here, in this small group on line.
However, racial and religious intolerance hamper this process and only fuel the fires of hatred; the need for vengeance; the use of human shields; the incessant propaganda war and the generational violence.
History doesn't matter. The 'I was here first' argument is rubbish. It does not matter. What does matter is that the Jewish people are there in Israel and everyone has to come to terms with it. Having said that, I wish the Palestinians could enjoy peaceful lives devoted to the pursuit of prosperity and happiness.
It is a difficult situation, and greater individuals than any of us have worked on it with no solution in sight for the near future.
Moreover, what this thread has demonstrated is that the very problems that come with a clash of culture and ideals and are evident throughout the Arab-Israeli conflict are mirrored here, in this small group on line.
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