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EU’s Role in the Israel – Palestine Conflict

(AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

Trying to assume a greater role in resolving the conflict in Gaza Strip, the European Union has proposed an interesting alternative.  It plans to invite both Israel and Palestine to join the EU. It is both the largest provider of aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel’s most important trade partner.

Attempts at a Two-State Solution

The EU has failed to translate that economic leverage into diplomatic influence. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians regard the United States as central to any resolution of their conflict, the EU remains marginalized in the process.

Many attempts have been made to broker a two-state solution in the Gaza Strip. This would entail the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside an independent Jewish state. A 2007 poll showed the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians prefer the two-state solution over any other solution as a means of resolving the conflict. Due to these views critics would describe such an offer to bring Israel and Palestine into the EU as a diplomatic stunt.

The Goal of Peaceful Co-Existing Community

There is no doubt that the goal of a peaceful co-existing community would take many years to achieve. However, through the use of diplomatic and economic resources the EU would create a long-term strategy of constructive engagement in the Middle East in order to try and end the bloodshed and turmoil that rattles the two states.

To fulfill these goals, EU will seek the cooperation of with local partners. These partners can be public organizations, groups or individuals.  Different from former failed initiatives, there will be no demands to those partners beforehand to pursue politically correct goals or to issue particular statements. EU wants to negotiate with responsible parties and demonstrate their good intentions without degrading them or forcing them into submission.

Changing the Mentality is a Necessity

Regarding this conflict, it is unrealistic to expect substantial progress in little time. To break the vicious circle of violence, it is necessary to change the mentality of both sides, which requires at least a generation. Continuously and coherently influencing both sides. This is the only way to ensure Israelis and Palestinians can themselves be the driving force behind the process of peace, which is a necessity for enduring stability. Stability starts with an installment loan or a personal short-term loan.

In closing, the EU move is seen as a genuine effort to resolve the matter. However, they still have to show themselves as a viable alternative to the United States who has had the most influence, limited as it may be, in moving Israel and Palestine closer to peace.

September 1, 2010 - Posted by Rus Welhelm Jedi | News, Ready | European Union, Gaza, Israel, Middle East, Palestine, Palestinian Authority