Recently, Russia has thrown its weight behind a Palestinian proposal that seeks to have a West Asia Peace Conference. The primary focus of this peace conference is a two-state solution which allows for the coexistence of Israel and a prospective Palestinian state. The support for this peace conference comes against the backdrop of the USA’s shift towards reestablishing credible engagement with both Israelis and Palestinians under the new administration.
Who Are the Participants in the Conference?
The conference will host ten participants – Israel, the Palestinians, the four members of the West Asia diplomatic quartet (Russia, the United Nation, the USA, and the European Union), as well as four Arab states – Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE. Russia proposed that the West Asia Peace Conference be held at the ministerial level.
Other Relevant Developments
The Abraham Accord between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, mediated by the USA, was the first Arab-Israeli peace treaty in 26 years. Palestinians have expressed concerns over the potential implications of these accords.
Exploring the Background of Israel-Palestine Conflict
The seeds of the Israel-Palestine conflict were sown when Britain took control of Palestine post World War I after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. The tensions escalated when Britain was given the task of establishing a “national home” for Jewish people in Palestine, a move opposed vehemently by the local Arabs. Unable to resolve the issue, British rulers left in 1948, allowing the establishment of the state of Israel.
Post-British Phase of the Conflict
A subsequent war in 1967 led to the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, most of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza, and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. Today, Israel still occupies the West Bank and despite withdrawing from Gaza, the UN still considers this area as part of the occupied territory. Over the past five decades, Israel has built settlements in these territories where over 600,000 Jews now reside. Palestinians argue these settlements are illegal and a hurdle to peace.
Shift in the US’s Stand
The USA’s stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict has taken a noticeable shift in recent years. The peace plan introduced by the USA, without meaningful Palestinian participation, was heavily skewed in favor of Israel and marked a departure from the Oslo Accords. However, with the recent change in administration, the USA is moving towards rekindling ties with the Palestinians.
India’s Position on the Issue
India has had a complex relationship with both Israel and Palestine. It initially opposed the UN’s partition plan in 1947 and has historically shown support for the Palestinian cause. In 1993, India became one of the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole representative of the Palestinians. It has also tended to favor resolutions critical of Israel in the United Nations Human Rights Council. More recently, India has sought to balance its historical support for Palestinian self-determination with strategic relations with Israel.
The Way Forward
A peaceful solution demands a global united front. However, reluctance from the Israeli government and other parties complicates matters. A balanced policy approach towards the Israel-Palestine issue could help maintain favorable relations with Arab countries as well as Israel.
