The Two-State Solution

The two-state solution has long been considered the most viable path to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1. This approach envisages the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside the existing State of Israel, giving both peoples their own sovereign territory.

History of the Two-State Solution:

1. The origins of the two-state solution can be traced back to the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, which proposed dividing Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem under international rule.
2. However, the plan was rejected by the Arab states, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the creation of the state of Israel.

Current Challenges to the Two-State Solution:

The two-state solution remains unattainable even after decades of efforts. There are many obstacles to its implementation, such as:

1. Settlement Expansion: Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank has virtually created a one-state reality, making a contiguous Palestinian state difficult to envision.

2. Hamas Control in Gaza: The control of Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization has complicated efforts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist and has engaged in rocket attacks on Israeli civilian targets.

3. Jerusalem Dispute: The status of Jerusalem, a holy city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians, has been a major point of contention in negotiations. Both sides consider Jerusalem as their capital, making it a highly sensitive issue.

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