Jeffrey Sachs: The US will be diplomatically isolated for Palestine-Israel conflict but it deserves

Summary

The script discusses the two-state solution as the only path to peace in the Middle East, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel. It highlights the obstacles, primarily Israel's rejection and US veto, which have prevented its realization despite UN General Assembly support. The script calls for a global conference backed by the UN to overcome US veto and establish peace, urging China to support this effort, aligning with global consensus and the Arab League's Bahrain declaration.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The two-state solution is presented as the only path to peace in the Middle East, involving a state of Palestine living alongside Israel with mutual security.
• 🚫 Israel's rejection of a Palestinian state and the United States' support for this stance are identified as the main obstacles to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
• 🌍 The international system's rules require a UN Security Council vote for the creation of a Palestinian state, which has been blocked by the US, despite Palestine meeting the criteria.
• 📜 The Palestine Authority's initial proposal for UN membership was made in 2011, and the US suggested accepting observer status as a temporary measure, which has not led to full membership.
• 🗳️ In April, the UN Security Council voted in favor of Palestine as a UN member state, but the US vetoed the decision, highlighting the power of a single country to block peace.
• 🏛️ The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of Palestine's statehood, with 142 in favor and only 9 against, showing broad global support.
• 🔄 The Bahrain declaration by the Arab League expressed readiness for peace and normalization with Israel based on the two-state solution, indicating a peace offering from the Arab world.
• 🤝 The king of Bahrain's diplomatic efforts in Moscow and Beijing with the Bahrain declaration suggest a push for international support for the two-state solution.
• 🌐 A recommendation is made for China to support a UN General Assembly-backed global conference to overcome the US veto and demonstrate world consensus on the two-state solution.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The script emphasizes the need for peaceful, rational approaches to achieve the two-state solution, rejecting the use of wars and violence.
• 🛑 The final point stresses that continued Israeli rule over Palestinians is unacceptable and not conducive to peace, advocating for a just resolution that respects the rights of both peoples.

Q & A

What is the 'two-state solution' mentioned in the script?

The 'two-state solution' refers to the concept of establishing two separate sovereign states for the Israeli and Palestinian people, with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully as member states of the United Nations.

Why does the script suggest that the two-state solution is the only way to peace in the Middle East?

The script implies that the two-state solution is the only way to peace because it addresses the core issue of two peoples with competing claims to the same land, offering a potential resolution that recognizes the rights and security of both parties.

What is the role of the UN Security Council in the creation of a new UN member state?

The UN Security Council plays a crucial role in admitting new member states. A proposal for membership must be voted on by the Security Council, and a favorable vote is required for a state to be admitted as a UN member.

Why did the United States veto the UN Security Council's vote on Palestine's membership?

The script does not provide a specific reason for the U.S. veto, but it suggests that the U.S. has historically backed Israel's position, which opposes the creation of a Palestinian state.

What was the outcome of the vote in the UN General Assembly regarding Palestine's membership?

The UN General Assembly voted with 142 in favor and nine against, showing overwhelming support for Palestine's membership as a UN member state, despite the U.S. and Israel's opposition.

What is the significance of the Bahrain Declaration mentioned in the script?

The Bahrain Declaration is significant because it represents a peace offering from the Arab League countries, stating their readiness for peace and normalization with Israel based on the two-state solution.

Why did the King of Bahrain meet with President Putin and President Xi after the Arab League meeting?

The King of Bahrain met with world leaders to discuss the Bahrain Declaration and to seek international support for the two-state solution and the path to peace in the Middle East.

What is the script's recommendation for China's role in the peace process?

The script suggests that China should strongly support a UN General Assembly-backed global conference to make it clear that the world is united in favor of the two-state solution, thereby isolating the U.S. and Israel diplomatically.

What does the script imply about the U.S.'s diplomatic position if it continues to oppose the two-state solution?

The script implies that the U.S. will be diplomatically isolated if it continues to oppose the two-state solution, as the rest of the world is largely in favor of this solution for peace in the Middle East.

How does the script describe the current situation in Gaza?

The script describes the situation in Gaza as a 'massive cruel war crime-ridden destruction' caused by Israel's assault, highlighting the urgency and importance of finding a peaceful resolution.

What is the script's view on the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The script emphasizes the need for a peaceful resolution, stating that wars and violence are not the answers and that rational, decent thinking should lead to a solution that ensures peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.