Why in News ?
The Gaza war has put renewed focus on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, still seen by many countries as the path to peace even though the negotiating process has been moribund for a decade.
What are Two-State Solution ‘s Origins ?
Conflict occurred in British-ruled Palestine between Arabs and Jews who had migrated to the area, seeking a national home as they fled persecution in Europe and citing biblical ties to the land.
In 1947, the United Nations agreed a plan partitioning Palestine into Arab and Jewish states with international rule over Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, which gave them 56% of the land. The Arab League rejected it.
The state of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948. A day later, five Arab states attacked. The war ended with Israel controlling 77% of the territory.
Some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes, ending up in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In a 1967 war, Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan and Gaza from Egypt, securing control of all territory from the Mediterranean to the Jordan valley.
Today’s News :
More than seven months into the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian war yet, the U.S. has said there is no way to solve Israel’s security issues and the challenge of rebuilding Gaza without steps towards a Palestinian state.
Finding itself increasingly isolated diplomatically, Israel has reacted angrily to a decision by Spain, Ireland and Norway to officially recognise a Palestinian state. Madrid, Dublin and Oslo have explained their move as a way to accelerate efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank under Israeli military occupation, welcomed the move, while Israel recalled its ambassadors in protest, saying such moves could jeopardise its sovereignty and security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not compromise on full Israeli security control west of Jordan and that this stands contrary to a sovereign Palestinian state, which he says would pose “an existential danger” to Israel.
Obstacles have long impeded the two-state solution, which envisages Israeli and Palestinian states alongside each other.
These include Jewish settlement in occupied land the Palestinians seek for a state and uncompromising positions on core issues including borders, the fate of Palestinian refugees, and the status of Jerusalem, an ancient city holy to both sides.