There is a simple way to achieve the two-state resolution.
72 States and Organizations who met in Paris on 15 January repudiated Security Council Resolution 2334 (“UNSCR 2334”) – just three weeks after it was passed on 23 December 2016.
UNSCR 2334 had reiterated the Security Council’s:
“vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders,”
The final Paris communique dumped this “two democratic states solution” by reaffirming:
“that a negotiated solution with two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, is the only way to achieve enduring peace.”
The word “democratic” was in fact omitted in the Paris communique in nine places – signalling that Paris did not accept the definitive terms of the “two-state solution” proposed by the Security Council.
The Paris communique deliberately sought to mislead and deceive what UNSCR 2334 had actually stated – declaring the Participants:
“welcomed international efforts to advance Middle East peace, including the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2334 on 23 December 2016 which … called on both sides to take steps to advance the two-state solution on the ground ;
– blatantly failing to identify that it was the “two democratic states solution” that was envisioned in UNSCR 2334.
Paris went even further in attempting to gloss over the obligation for any Palestinian State to be democratic – the communique noting:
“the importance of addressing the dire humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip and called for swift steps to improve the situation.”
No mention about addressing the absence of democracy in Gaza – where Hamas has denied the Arab population any elections for the last 10 years.
Paris omitted any reference to the only framework within which Israel and the PLO have been negotiating during the last 13 years – the 2003 Bush Roadmap – which clearly states:
“A settlement, negotiated between the parties, will result in the emergence of an independent, democratic, and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors.”
The Paris communique:
“called on both sides to take steps to advance the two-state solution on the ground ; the recommendations of the Quartet on 1 July 2016 ; and the United States Secretary of State’s principles on the two-state solution on 28 December 2016.”
However one Quartet recommendation states:
“Gaza and the West Bank should be reunified under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian authority on the basis of the PLO platform and Quartet principles and the rule of law, including control over all armed personnel and weapons in accordance with existing agreements.”
Kerry mentioned “two-state solution” 29 times but never once uttered the word “democratic”.
Israel should now not fall into the trap of negotiating with any entity less than one already democratically elected and functioning in Areas “A” and “B” of the West Bank and Gaza – nor rely on any promises of democracy emerging there in the future.
Paris has managed to bury the “two democratic states solution” in just 24 hours.
The Roadmap and UNSCR 2334 have received the last rites.
Perhaps the Security Council and the Paris participants should now consider the practical “two-state solution” first envisaged in 1922:
One Jewish State – Israel – and one Arab State – Jordan – in the territory covered by the Mandate for Palestine.
This territorial subdivision has already happened in 95% of the Mandate territory. It can happen very quickly in the remaining 5%.
In fact it only involves slightly redrawing the existing international boundary between Israel and Jordan – two states already living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders.
Simple and achievable.
The PA doesn’t have democracy either. Abbas’ term of office expired long ago, the article neglects to mention.
@ YJ Draiman:
you made my day 🙂
@ Kim Wilde:
Second that 🙂
Your Comment is very impressive and true. Thank you for taking the time to articulate it.
I am somewhat surprised at all the commotion regarding the U.N resolution 2334 which condemns Jewish Communities and Settlements in the West Bank aka Judea and Samaria. It should be noted Israel regained land and rebuilt communities previously taken from it illegally via the Defensive War of 1967 when it had to defend itself from an unprovoked attack from Jordan. If the U.N voted a resolution declaring the Vatican as Muslim territory, is anyone going to abide by it?
According to my research, the U.N. Charter only provides for the recommendation(s) of a non-binding Resolution, with no legal standing. In fact, the U.N. has absolutely no legal standing or power to enforce any Resolution(s). Furthermore, it cannot be ignored the U.N. has recommended hundreds of Resolutions against Israel with no legal, or factual standing to support said Resolutions. There is also the U.N. Article 51 which provides for defense against attack. The U.N, and the ICJ have no appeal process and that is against every Democratic law. Their opinions and resolutions are based on false information; there is no procedure to remedy the erroneous biased decisions.
Israel is on solid legal and historical ground as far as its’ territorial boundaries west of the Jordan River. In fact, history proves Israel has both a legal and historical claim for a lot of land held by Jordan.
The World at large has for thousands of years wrongfully persecuted the Jews, confiscated and stole their assets including land. The world at large will try and push us around if we let them. It is time to put an end to such unjustified persecution.
All the distortions of history up to and including modern day, by biased nations relying upon fictitious make-believe facts and wishful beliefs, must not be tolerated any more. While most of the biased world continues to unjustly assail Israel, the nation of Israel contributes to the world a substantial amount of advancement and technology in all fields, including medicine, energy, water desalination, IT, and much more.
Today the Jewish State of Israel has the man-power and the resources to defend itself against most world powers. Thus, it is time for us Jews to become unified and stand up for ourselves as was done during the days of Moses, King David and King Solomon.
We are supposed to be “a stubborn nation” (Am Kshey Oref). Let us utilize our “stubborn” resolve with a strong backbone steeled with our unwavering faith. If we stand our ground without capitulations, we might encounter some obstacles and suffer some set-backs. But in the long run we will be stronger and the world at large will respect us more.
We must overcome the “victim mentality” we have too easily accepted over thousands of years. It is time for all Jews worldwide to raise our heads, and steel our resolve as a proud nation with proud people.
Well,I think Jordan should also be involved as it has 75? Palistinians.
How honest of them. The UN can’t define “Terrorist”. Goes without saying they can’t define “Democratic.” Absurd for them even to try. Look who’s been sitting on the Security Council from the beginning. And look at the rotating members. And, I mean isn’t N. Korea’s official name, “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea?” E. Germany was the “German Democratic Republic”. A lot of the Communist countries were. Serious.
http://www.korea-dpr.com/
https://www.quora.com/How-many-countries-with-Democratic-Republic-or-Democratic-Peoples-Republic-in-their-name-are-actually-democratic
Abbas outlived his term of office years ago, too. None of these Kangaroo courts have any legitimacy or moral high ground. Where Israel is concerned, they violate every international law and lie about it. But, the important thing is they accepted bi-lateral negotiation rather than an imposed solution, largely thanks to Trump’s intervention. Thank you, Pres. Elect Trump. I’m sure the public condemnation from a French Jewish MP of Tunisian descent and the ruling by a French Court that Israel is the lawful sovereign didn’t hurt either. Or all the protests at home and abroad. Or Britain sending a junior rep. in protest. Or Kerry backing down in the eleventh hour, again thanks to Trump. Another bullet dodged. Only one struck home so far of the 3 in final inning. 2 1/2 business days to go. Hope there is no more coming our way.
Ms. Wilde. You are extremely wise. Not many realize that G-d is in control. He is the G-d of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. I believe in Jesus Who is part and parcel of the Triune G-d.
Not sure I understand how this makes a difference. We all know what happens when the Palestinians are allowed to play democracy.
There will NEVER be a two State solution. You can’t give away something that G-D has given. The boundaries of ISRAEL are set by G-D and certainly not man or the devil.