Israel – Palestine Conflict

Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan warn Israel that annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank could have 'consequences' for relations.

• The government of Israel had set July 1 as the date when it could begin to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as in the strategic Jordan Valley.
• The move was endorsed by a Middle East plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump in January.
• After the joint video conference, the foreign ministers of four countries said in a statement that any annexation of Palestinian lands occupied by Israeli forces in 1967 would imperil the foundation of peace talks and a violation of international law.
• The statement further added that the countries would not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders. It also warned that the Israeli plans would have serious consequences for the stability and security of the region.
• The EU has also mounted a diplomatic campaign against the annexation, highlighted by a visit to Jerusalem by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to raise concerns about the prospective plans.
  
  
  
  

Two-state Solution

• It is a proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two states for two people: Israel for the Jewish people and Palestine for the Palestinian people.
• In 1993 the Israeli government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) agreed on a plan to implement a two-state solution as part of the Oslo Accords, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

India’s stand on Palestine-Israel conflict

• India has consistently supported the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to a State and the consequent imperative need for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region based on United Nations Security Council resolution 242, 338 and 425, as well as the principle of "Land for Peace." India has also supported the Madrid Conference of October 1991.
• India favored UNHRC’s resolution in 2014 to probe Israel’s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting probe, India abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.
• India has de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018 as part of its West Asia policy to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.

Way Forward

• The Middle East has gone through dramatic shifts since the beginning of this conflict. In confronting common threats and in pursuing common interests, previously unimaginable opportunities and alliances are emerging. If peace can be achieved, the economic and security cooperation between the State of Israel and its Arab neighbors can create the prosperous Middle East that is connected by a common desire for security and economic opportunity.