Hopes for Israeli-Palestinian Two-State Solution Fading in West Bank, International Community Warns

The international community has expressed growing concern over the deteriorating prospects for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine in the occupied West Bank. Recent violence and escalating tensions have further dimmed hopes for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.

On April 23, 2024, Israeli forces shot and killed a 44-year-old Palestinian man during a search-and-arrest operation in Aqbet Jaber Refugee Camp in Jericho. Between April 18 and 22, 18 Palestinians, including three children, were killed in the West Bank, with 14 killed by Israeli forces in Nur Shams Refugee Camp in Tulkarm governorate. Additionally, 75 Palestinians, ten Israeli soldiers, and one Israeli settler were injured in the West Bank, while two Israelis were injured in West Jerusalem during this period (Humanitarian Needs and Response Update, OCHA).

Khalil al-Hayya, a top Hamas political official, states Hamas is willing to agree to a truce of five years or more with Israel and would lay down its weapons and convert into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. Al-Hayya said Hamas wants to join the Palestine Liberation Organization to form a unified government for Gaza and the West Bank. However, Hamas's political program still officially rejects any alternative to the full liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued an urgent appeal for $1.21 billion to address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated, "The scars of war are seen on a massive scale in Gaza. Violence is increasing in the West Bank." The appeal aims to respond to the most urgent needs of 1.7 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 200,000 refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Why this matters: The fading hopes for a two-state solution and the escalating violence in the West Bank have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the lives of millions of Palestinians and Israelis. The international community's efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution are critical in preventing further escalation and human suffering.

The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Despite tensions between Israel and some U.S. politicians, the United States continues to support Israel with weapons, funds, and veto power at the United Nations. The G7 countries have expressed support for plans to reconstruct Gaza, foster security arrangements, and establish a Palestinian-led governing structure as part of the effort to advance enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, including through practical steps towards a two-state solution.

Key Takeaways

• Escalating violence in West Bank dims hopes for two-state solution.
• Hamas open to truce and political role if independent Palestinian state is established.
• UNRWA appeals for $1.21 billion to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and West Bank.
• US continues to support Israel with weapons, funds, and UN veto power.
• G7 expresses support for Gaza reconstruction and steps towards two-state solution.