A new wave of flotillas or “flytillas” attempted to sail for Gaza, with the usual slogans stigmatizing Israel.
Even though one can question the way the activists have been treated by Israel, who appears to have fallen into a public relations set up, even more controversial is their vision of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as far as mutual respect and peace are concerned.
In the meantime, the enduring peoples’ uprisings in the Arab world, from Morocco to Syria, are evidence that Europe should play a key role in North Africa and the Middle East. They are our neighbours from the other side of the Mediterranean sea and they want more freedom. These are two reasons why we, as European citizens, must lend them a helping hand to be side by side with them in their struggle for democracy.
Negotiations are necessary to implement the 2 State solution. A unilateral declaration of independence of Palestine is more likely everyday.
The Israeli government seems satisfied with the idea that the US and some European states will block this move diplomatically. It is no mystery however that President Obama is reticent in backing Israel if Israel does not make constructive concessions in exchange.
The only way for Israel to stop this course of actions leading to the recognition is to break the status quo and offer to resume unconditional negotiations.
If no initiative is taken in the coming weeks, the recognition of the Palestinian state is more than likely next September. The situation will be very uncertain however, for Palestinians as well as Israelis.
What will happen when the Palestinian state is internationally recognised? Will secure and mutually agreed borders emerge? Will the question of the status of Jerusalem be answered? A declaration of sovereignty will not be enough to give the Palestinian state actual sovereignty.
In any case, and regardless of one’s opinion on the unilateral recognition, talks will still have to take place in September.
In an interview published by Le Figaro on the 23rd of June, Tzipi Livni was right to stress the fact that “the status quo is dangerous for Israel” and that “ending the conflict with the Palestinians is in Israel’s interest”.
The present situation renders the promotion of the principles put forward by JCall only more necessary and legitimate. It is no easy endeavour. We must strive to convince as many people as possible that our point of view is accurate. You receive this newsletter because you have signed the Call for Reason. With our treasurer, we now ask you to join JCall to take part in this struggle.
Ivan Terel
JCall Newsletter editor, Lawyer