All Hope Is Lost...

By Natashia Hajee

As a class we have spoken numerous times on how to resolve the conflict and if there is a possibility for a two-state solution. Today we discussed non-violence and how it is possibly the only viable option when discussing this conflict. Recently, five people were killed in Itamar, an action that was reprimanded by both the Israelis and the Palestinians. There is no way in which to justify these deaths however it seems this incident has regressed peace negotiations even further.

Representatives of the Middle East Quartet met last week in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to discuss some reconciliation, however apparently the differences between the two are far too great to make any progress. What puzzles me about this statement is that I do not understand why this seems to be shocking? Has it not been there differences that have forced other negotiations to fail or reach an impasse. What is necessary in such a situation is that despite the differences, in order to prevent further incidents like Itamar, they must find some way to negotiate some peace. And for once...STICK TO IT.

During these meetings the French minister, an EU representative claimed that the Palestinian state is a definite possibility and should not be ruled out completely, it is simply not its time at present. This goes to show that there is a move to recognize Palestine, however due to all the misfortunes it would be unwise to pursue this thought further.

Since Itamar, Netanyahu has refrained from mentioning anything to do with peace talks, be it privately or publicly. All he has mentioned is the discussion of security, which will most likely be intensified.

The meeting with the Quartet had discussions that were slightly different than before due to the fact that the Israelis seemed to be more flexible in their positions. This is something to observe optimistically, the Israelis are becoming aware that there are flaws in their negotiations and are finding compromises in order to progress further.

According to haaretz.com the Palestinians took a different approach, one that was more guarded and perhaps cold. Erekat was involved in these discussions, in which he criticized the international community once more for not intervening and pressuring Israel. Erekat also demanded 1967 borders with some extra land being swapped.

In this article it seems that the Palestinians are less willing to negotiate and compromise, instead they are demanding what they have wanted for a long time. The Israelis have chosen to fight for a democratic peace because they are worried with the turmoil surrounding the Middle East. Israel does not want these revolutions to cross through its borders or Palestine's.

Although the Israelis seem progressive, there is much to be debated with the Itamar attacks and the fact that Netanyahu seems to be struggling with peace talks. The issue at hand within these negotiations seems to be that they all take the initial steps to start talking but they just go around in circles refusing to compromise what they both think is equally theirs.

The article reads that the Quartet is 'giving up hope'... I believe it is more than just the Quartet, it is Israel, it is Palestine, it is everyone who is advocating for peace in the region. What needs to happen is some sort of action which boosts the confidence of everyone in that region, perhaps creating a push for peace.

Link:
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/quartet-giving-up-hope-of-renewing-israeli-palestinian-talks-1.349672