by Jamal-Zeid
The Palestinian Israeli conflict has been going on for the last 53
years (since 1947). It is about time it ends with a negotiated solution that is
sufficiently fair and allows both sides to live eternally live as neighbors in peace and
security.
A two state negotiated solution, based on fairness to BOTH sides, is
the ideal and ONLY LASTING outcome for such a tragic conflict: two states that live
peacefully side by side, with citizens on both sides living in peace and security and
without fear from their neighbors. Israel as the dominant power, can (and most likely
will) force a “shove it down your throat” solution on the Palestinians, but
would that last?
Mistakes, missed opportunities and miscalculations were made by both
sides in 1947/1948. To rehash the events of 1947/1948, 1967, 1982 and other years will
rekindle accusations and counter accusations and lead to further estrangements and
disagreements. The point I am trying to make here is to identify a solution that I believe
is long lasting, fair, and that both sides can live with. Both sides must feel the
solution is BITTER/SWEET and is in their national interests In this solution they also
must achieve security for their families and communities. Only a negotiated and FAIR
solution is a long lasting one. For one side to dominate the other is a temporary solution
and will end up causing more future wars.
There is NO EASY solution for such a long and bitter conflict over the
same piece of land. Such a solution DOES EXIST, however. This durable and fair solution
requires moral courage by the leaders AND people on both sides. It involves the sharing of
Jerusalem, solving the Palestinian refugees dilemma by housing many of them in the
settlements in the West Bank and Gaza which will be viewed as partial compensation for
seized Palestinian properties in Israel. The natural resources of the West Bank, mainly
water, shall be shared by both people, and shall be used as a commodity governed by trade
agreements
Both sides will suffer here, and both sides will have HUGE sacrifices
to make. The Palestinians, however, will end up bearing the brunt of most the material and
the psychological sacrifices. Israel, in spite of trading the West Bank settlements as
partial compensations for the Palestinians, will end up with the lion’s share, 78% of
Mandate Palestine in which Jews legally own only 6%. Nevertheless, and under the
circumstances, such a solution will be long lasting and will enable both people to assert
their national identity and to live peacefully as neighbors for a long time to come.
The main components of the recommended solution are:
Borders and Jerusalem – Two separate States living side by
side as peaceful neighbors. Israel is ALREADY the big winner here. It got the lion’s
share of Mandate Palestine, with 78% of the whole country. For Israel to insist on the
fragmentation of the remaining 22% (the West Bank and Gaza) into three or four separate
areas with no borders with Jordan, and with Israel annexing 10 to 20% of it is asking too
much of the Palestinians, who, after all, legally own 94% of Mandate Palestine. My
recommendation is to have a Palestinian State in the 22% of Palestine that makes the Gaza
Strip and the West Bank. Item (2) below discusses what to do with the
“settlements” in the West Bank and Gaza.
Jerusalem is equally important to ALL three religions, should remain
UNITED and should be shared by all; Jerusalem’s mayor “Don’t give me that
crap” statement not withstanding. I believe that Israel should control West Jerusalem
AND the Jewish Holy sites in East Jerusalem. The Palestinians Muslims and Christians
should control the Old City (East Jerusalem minus the Jewish Holy Sites). To do otherwise,
as Israel and the United States continue ramming down the Palestinian throat, will end up
in malignant resentment that continues to simmer just under the surface, ready to explode
at any time.
Palestinian Refugees – The Palestinian refugee problem must
be resolved in a fair and a humane manner. The refugee problem is the MOST important
problem to be resolved. It is more important than Jerusalem or any other issue in the
conflict. The tragedy of the Palestinian refugees is not, in my opinion, understood or
appreciated by the great majority of Israelis. This is one of the most heart rendering
tragedies in our time. Israel must live up to its responsibility here and not try to sweep
it under the carpet as it is doing now, and the sooner the better. Israel, with its
military might, can impose its will here and demand that the refugees stay where they are.
Should this be done, then we are only postponing a catastrophe of major proportions.
The problem can, and should be, resolved in such a way that eases
Israel’s concern about seriously diluting its Jewish characteristic, and also gives
the Palestinians a home and a sense of belonging in Palestine, a Palestine of their own.
Israel should admit some Palestinians to their old homes and land now in Israel. But since
the great majority of the Palestinian villages no longer exist, a far greater number of
Palestinians, in my opinion, would prefer to be compensated for the loss of their homes
and land in Israel by being housed in the Israeli settlements built in the West Bank and
Gaza. Much more housing should be built in the West Bank and Gaza to house the rest of the
Palestinian refugees. Funding such a huge project may be accomplished under the terms of a
Palestinian/ Israeli Compensation and Economic Assistance Plan with help from the World
Bank. This is not easy and definitely is not going to be popular among the settlers. The
settlers will howl loud and clear, but this must be faced and dealt with equitably. This
is hard to accept for both sides, hard for the Palestinians to forgo their dream homes in
West Jerusalem, Safad, Jaffa, Haifa, Lydda, Ramleh, Akka, Tiberias, Majdal, Beer Sheba,
Beissan and the 418 other Palestinian villages and towns; and hard on the Israelis to
forgo the settlements they built in the West Bank and Gaza. Overall, though, I believe
that Israel again is the winner here. This Israeli win, however, also gives the
Palestinians a home and a country so they may live in peace as neighbors and partners with
Israel for a long time to come.
Water – Water and other natural resources of the West Bank
should be sold to Israeli citizens just like any other economic commodity, and just like
two good neighbors having an economic deal benefiting both sides.
Compensation – One way to handle compensation is through a
“Compensation and Economic Assistance Plan” between Israel and Palestine. I am
sure the World Bank will play an important role here.
Jamal Zeid
Saratoga, CA USA
Jamal is originally from the Western Galilee. He and his family became refugees in
1948.
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