Israel-Gaza war: The serious flaw in a two-state Palestine plan

Already a subscriber?With a declaration that Australia could recognise a Palestinian state, Penny Wong put a marker in the sand on the conflict in Gaza.

Palestinians shop for food and provisions between ruined buildings at a street market in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.Echoing similar warnings, the Coalition said recognition would shatter the long-standing bipartisan consensus on how the Israel-Palestine conflict should be resolved.

“Recognising a Palestinian state – one that can only exist side by side with a secure Israel – doesn’t just offer the Palestinian people an opportunity to realise their aspirations,” Wong told the Australian National University’s national security conference dinner on Tuesday night.“It also strengthens the forces for peace, and undermines extremism. It undermines Hamas, Iran and Iran’s other destructive proxies in the region.

Even the Biden administration has drawn up policy options on recognition, according to US media reports. In February, Netanyahu said “Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.”

The terror group gave ground in 2017 by calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the borders that existed before 1967’s Six Day War, when Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza and Golan Heights, while refusing to recognise Israel, which it calls the “Zionist entity”.But since October 7, Hamas officials have made no secret of their opposition to Israel.

Palestinians arrive in the southern Gaza town of Rafah after fleeing an Israeli ground and air offensive in the nearby city of Khan Younis.Another sticking point in negotiations is the “right of return” for Palestinian refugees displaced after Israel’s creation in 1948. Scott says one option could be Palestinians to give up their claim to return to Israel proper, but they would be allowed to resettle in the West Bank. Compensation would be payable.

The two-state solution has been elusive for almost 80 years, when the Arab world rejected the Partition Plan and the creation of a Jewish state. Much blood has been shed since then and Israel has only become more firmly entrenched.The promise of the 1993 Oslo Accords, when peace did seem within grasp, ended with the collapse of the 2000 Camp David summit.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Wong endorses two-state solution between Israel and PalestineForeign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has argued the establishment of a standalone Palestinian state is the only way to end hostilities with neighbouring Israel.
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

Israel war: Jane Hume slams Penny Wong’s Palestine shiftJane Hume describes Penny Wong’s shift on Palestine as one that puts “statehood ahead of security”; Jim Chalmers says merger reform will block concerning acquisitions. Follow updates here.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

After six months, the war in Gaza is making Israel a pariah stateNetanyahu’s decisions have brought death to Palestinians and harmed his own people. Hamas laid a trap and he walked right in, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Gaza war: Israel cancels US trip as Netanyahu fumes over UN ceasefireThe UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza after the US abstained, leading Israel to cancel a high-level visit to Washington.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

Israel reportedly blocking UN food aid to northern Gaza despite high famine riskHead of Unrwa Philippe Lazzarini says military authorities told the UN that convoys will no longer be approved
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

'Man-made famine': UNRWA says Israel will no longer approve its Gaza food convoysIsrael has reportedly halted UNRWA food convoys to Gaza's north, escalating tensions amid a funding crisis and accusations against agency staff.
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »