The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has escalated dramatically in recent days, with significant casualties on both sides. An unexpected assault by Hamas resulted in the loss of many Israeli lives, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes on Gaza that have claimed the lives of numerous Palestinian civilians.
As tensions rise, global leaders and observers are emphasizing the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to prevent further bloodshed. Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, stated that “there is no solely military answer” to the conflict. He advocated for introducing a diplomatic element, including “a credible Israeli plan for bringing about a viable Palestinian state.”
The longstanding issues underlying the conflict, including discriminatory policies and the lack of a political process, contribute to the ongoing turmoil. Award-winning Palestinian journalist Daoud Kuttab highlighted that “Israel frequently prevents Palestinians from engaging even in peaceful political activity,” noting that these practices contravene international law and are enforced with “brute force and intimidation.”
Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami pointed to the policies of Israeli leadership as contributing factors to the current crisis. He remarked that by ruling out any political process and asserting exclusive rights to the land, the government has made “bloodshed inevitable.”
The international community is calling for restraint and the protection of civilians. China has urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that the recurrence of the conflict demonstrates that “the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot last.” The spokesperson stressed that the fundamental solution lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine.
As efforts to de-escalate the situation continue, there is a growing consensus that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and a renewed commitment to a viable and just resolution for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Reference(s):
Palestinian-Israeli conflict: Rational voices from all sides
cgtn.com
