Pathways to Peace: Reimagining the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Conflict transformation. “In the face of violence, there are three main impulses. The first is an immediate one – to stop it. The second is a medium-term one – to deal with the wounds resulting from it. The third, finally, is a long-term one – to change the underlying conditions that have led, and may lead again, to violence. Conflict transformation is the comprehensive approach that attempts to achieve the last of these three goals, without neglecting the others.” from the paper Conflict Transformation – Theory, Principles, Actors. In other words, when approaching a conflict, it addresses underlying structures, cultures and institutions that encourage and condition violent political and social conflict.
We must not seek to create treaties and agreements but address the underlying historical injustices, inequalities and religious and territorial sentiments that exist. I see agreements especially those based upon centuries of conflict as coverups and not solutions, maybe temporary solutions but not ones which will guarantee peace and harmony for decades to come. In the book “From pacification to peacebuilding” by peace activist Diana Francis the shift from traditional approaches focused on pacifying conflict through military means to peacebuilding strategies that address root causes and promote reconciliation is emphasized.
This applies perfectly to the question at hand. The efforts to establish stability cannot be denied, the 1947 UN proposed partition plan for Israel and Palestine is an idea that has captured global reverence today. After being met with mixed reactions, fighting continued till May 4th of 1948 when Israel declared itself independent. The war had just begun. Horrifying death tolls from that day onwards, counting the Suez Canal, six-day war, Munich Olympics attack, Yon Kippur and first intifada dominated news headlines. In the light of Oslo accords 1 and 2 there was hope. Several conditions of the accords such as redeployment of Israeli forces from the Gaza strip, right of self- governance in Gaza strip and west bank, the division of area a, b and c in west bank and the fight against terrorism in Palestine were objectives that appeared perfect. Problem was, 2 people agreed upon it, the assassination of Prime minister Yitzhak Rabin proved both sides vehemently opposed it. Why? It appeared that everyone got what they wanted. They did not.
A solution that would possibly bring peace is like Johan Gaultang said- “Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through mere ceasefire agreements; it requires addressing the deep-seated grievances and fostering inclusive development." Israel and Palestine need people who deeply care about what they care about—Jerusalem’s significance to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike, and the deep grief of losing a homeland. Understanding that both sides have equal, centuries-old claims to the land is crucial. Lederach talks in his book called Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies, that peace is possible when emotional issues are resolved because when people feel that they are being heard and their values respected they have no incentive to harm.
In the long run, true peace requires more than fleeting agreements; it demands deep healing of historic wounds. We can stop at nothing less than going to the root of these problems and attaining a lasting peace that honors the humanity and hope of all in the process.
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