Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert believes the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict should have ended months ago. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, stating that while the war was inevitable, Netanyahu’s rhetoric and actions have been unnecessary and counterproductive. Olmert also expressed concern about the lack of a political plan for the future of Gaza and the potential for further instability in the region.
The White House responded to the decision of Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognize a Palestinian state, reiterating President Biden’s support for a “two-state solution” and expressing concern over Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that each country has the right to make its own determinations but emphasized the U.S. position that a two-state solution should be achieved through direct negotiations rather than unilateral recognition.
Sullivan explained that President Biden believes a two-state solution is the best way to bring about long-term security and stability for Israel, the Palestinians and Arabs in the region.
He also highlighted the potential for regional integration between Israel and moderate Arab states but acknowledged the growing chorus of voices supporting Palestinian recognition, which the U.S. views as a concern for Israel’s long-term security.
Sullivan condemned Israel’s decision to withhold tax revenue from the Palestinian Authority in retaliation for the European countries’ recognition of Palestine, calling it wrong and counterproductive to the search for security and prosperity in the region.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered the recall of Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway after both countries announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. Katz condemned the recognition as a reward for terrorism and threatened to recall Israel’s ambassador to Spain if it takes a similar position. Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but mirrors its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Since the first Oslo agreement was signed in 1993, Norway says the Palestinians have taken important steps towards a two-state solution and have built up national institutions to provide the population with important services.
India has once again expressed its strong opposition to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning the civilian deaths and calling for international law to be respected. India also reiterated its support for Palestine’s bid for full UN membership and urged the conflicting parties to engage in direct peace negotiations as soon as possible.
India’s commitment to a Two-State solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was reiterated by Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, on Thursday. The solution envisions the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with security considerations for Israel being taken into account.
For over a decade and a half, Hamas has maintained its willingness to accept a temporary two-state solution with Israel. However, the group’s refusal to recognize Israel or renounce armed resistance has fueled suspicions about its true intentions. After the October 2021 conflict in Gaza, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya hinted at a potential shift, suggesting that the group might disarm and transition into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established. Despite these statements, Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas and rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. Hamas’s nuanced positions and internal debates reflect ongoing tensions between its desire for international recognition and its commitment to armed resistance against Israeli occupation.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has expressed willingness to disarm if a two-state solution is implemented. The offer comes amidst international pressure for a ceasefire deal following the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Hamas remains committed to the goal of destroying Israel, they see the two-state solution as a possible path to a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has expressed a willingness to accept a long-term truce with Israel and disarm if an independent Palestinian state is established on pre-1967 borders. The group’s political leader, Khalil al-Hayya, made the comments amid stalled cease-fire talks. Hamas has long been committed to Israel’s destruction, but the offer suggests a potential shift in its stance. However, Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and is unlikely to consider such a scenario.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group, has expressed willingness to agree to a long-term truce with Israel and disarm if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. This significant concession by Hamas, which has been committed to Israel’s destruction, comes amid a stalemate in cease-fire talks. Israel, however, is unlikely to consider such a scenario as it seeks to crush Hamas following deadly attacks in October 2014. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, stated that the group would accept a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, along with the return of Palestinian refugees. He emphasized that Hamas wants to join the Palestine Liberation Organisation and form a unified government with Fatah. The international community largely supports a two-state solution, but Israel’s hard-line government rejects it. Despite Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, Al-Hayya believes an offensive in Rafah will not succeed in destroying Hamas and insists on a permanent cease-fire and full Israeli troop withdrawal.
In a significant concession, Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip, has indicated its willingness to agree to a long-term truce with Israel and disarm if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. The suggestion that Hamas would lay down its weapons and transition into a political party represents a potential turning point in the conflict between the two sides.
