Emmanuel Thomas l Saturday, July 05, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – There is probably no issue that has dominated international discus in recent time than the Palestinian issue and the creation of two states, Israel and Palestine existing side by side as sovereign independent states.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a deeply entrenched struggle spana over a century and continues to defy resolution, leaving in its wake cycles of violence, despair, and profound human suffering.
While various peace efforts have been attempted, often focusing on incremental steps or temporary ceasefires, the consensus among many experts and international bodies points to one indispensable path for enduring peace: a viable two-state solution, underpinned by mutual recognition, security, and justice.
The historical roots of the conflict are complex, intertwined with competing national aspirations, religious significance of the land, and successive waves of migration and displacement.
From the rise of Zionism in the late 19th century and the British Mandate, through the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent conflicts, the narrative has been shaped by a profound sense of grievance and loss on both sides.
This deeply emotional and often existential dimension makes true reconciliation extraordinarily challenging.
However, the international community has largely coalesced around the two-state solution as the most pragmatic and just framework.
This vision entails the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, with both entities enjoying secure and recognized borders.
But simply acknowledging this framework is not enough; its successful implementation requires addressing the core issues that have historically derailed peace efforts.
Key Pillars of Enduring Peace:
A Viable Palestinian State with Full Sovereignty:
This means a state with contiguous territory, economic viability, and control over its own affairs, including borders and natural resources.
The current reality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the fragmentation of Palestinian areas, and restrictions on movement significantly undermine the feasibility of such a state. A genuine commitment to the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps, is crucial.
Guaranteed Security for Israel: Israel’s legitimate security concerns are paramount. Any peace agreement must include robust mechanisms to ensure Israel’s safety from attacks, including demilitarization agreements, effective border control, and international security guarantees.
This necessitates addressing the issue of militant groups and ensuring that a future Palestinian state does not pose a threat to Israeli citizens.
Resolution of the Status of Jerusalem: Jerusalem is a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians as their capital.
A just solution must provide for shared access, respect for religious sites, and a political arrangement that acknowledges the aspirations of both peoples in the city.
This is arguably one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the conflict and requires creative, mutually acceptable solutions.
A Just and Agreed-Upon Resolution for Palestinian Refugees: The question of Palestinian refugees, displaced during and after the 1948 war, is central to the Palestinian narrative.
A resolution, based on international law and UN resolutions, must be found that addresses their rights and aspirations, while also taking into account Israel’s demographic concerns.
This is a highly sensitive issue that requires careful negotiation and a commitment to humanitarian principles.
Ending the Occupation and Settlements: The continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the expansion of settlements are widely considered illegal under international law and a major impediment to peace.
A genuine move towards a two-state solution necessitates a clear timeline for the end of the occupation and a freeze on, and eventual dismantling of, settlements.
Mutual Recognition and De-escalation of Incitement: Both Israelis and Palestinians must recognize each other’s legitimate right to exist and thrive in peace and security. This goes beyond political recognition to fostering a culture of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding. It also requires an end to all forms of incitement and dehumanization from all sides.
International Engagement and Guarantees: The role of the international community is vital in facilitating negotiations, providing humanitarian aid, and guaranteeing the terms of any agreement.
This includes sustained diplomatic pressure, financial support for institution-building in Palestine, and potentially a multinational security presence to ensure compliance.
The Abraham Accords, while significant for regional normalization, highlight the ongoing need to address the core Israeli-Palestinian conflict for comprehensive peace.
Challenges and the Way Forward:
The path to enduring peace is fraught with immense challenges, including deep-seated mistrust, political extremism on both sides, internal divisions within Israeli and Palestinian societies, and the influence of regional actors.
Overcoming these obstacles requires courageous leadership, a willingness to compromise, and a fundamental shift from a zero-sum mentality to one of shared destiny.
Ultimately, the only path to enduring peace between Israel and Palestine lies not in unilateral actions or cycles of violence, but in a determined and honest commitment to the two-state solution. It demands a future where two peoples, with their distinct histories and aspirations, can live side-by-side in dignity, security, and mutual recognition.
This will necessitate difficult concessions from both sides, but the alternative—perpetual conflict—is a price too high for either to bear.
