The US, Europe, and Middle East officials hinted at establishing a Palestinian state as part of a broader peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the White House’s desire for Palestinian statehood, emphasizing the need for “a practical, time-bound, irreversible path to a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace with Israel.” President Joe Biden also emphasized working “toward a two-state solution.” The US, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Palestinian representatives were discussing a three-stage truce, including a six-week cease-fire in which Hamas would release the Israeli hostages it is holding. However, Israel firmly rejected international efforts to impose recognition of a Palestinian state, stressing that any permanent settlement with the Palestinians must come through direct negotiations between the parties.
Israel opposed unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, emphasizing that such recognition would be a significant reward to terrorism and hinder a future peace settlement. While the US is hopeful for statehood, Palestinian skepticism remains high. Prof. Jonathan Rynhold of Bar-Ilan University’s Department of Political Studies believes the US wants to revive the stagnant peace process and seeks international strategic objectives. However, political analyst Nihad Abu Ghosh doubts the US’ seriousness, stating that positive comments have rarely been translated into practical reality. The US Ambassador clarified that statehood cannot come from unilateral recognition. He called for an “over-the-horizon process” that includes a vision for a demilitarized Palestinian state, with Saudi involvement and reforms in the Palestinian Authority as key factors.
