Post-war arm security force training, election support through PA reform, etc.
“We are coordinating the arbitration plan… We hope to complete it within a few weeks.”
Israel rejects ‘two-state solution’, says it will reject mediation proposal
Arab countries are pursuing a mediation plan in the Gaza Strip that would ultimately establish a Palestinian state in exchange for normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 22nd (local time), five Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, delivered this proposal to Israel through the United States as a joint plan to end the war in Gaza and move toward a ‘two-state solution’. did.
Saudi Arabia and Israel have been normalizing relations through the mediation of the United States, but the war was completely halted after the war broke out due to Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
Although this mediation did not include the release of about 130 hostages held by Hamas, it also included plans for the Gaza Strip immediately after the war.
Arab countries have offered to train Palestinian security forces, support the revival and reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and ultimately help hold elections.
Saudi and Egyptian officials said they are currently coordinating a mediation plan and hope to finalize it within a few weeks.
Brett McGurk, top advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, who is touring the Middle East, is also understood to have visited Egypt to discuss such a plan.
However, as this mediation proposal ultimately aims to create a Palestinian state, Israel, which is staunchly opposed to the ‘two-state solution’, is reportedly rejecting the proposal.
Israel is demanding that Middle Eastern countries play a leading role in the reconstruction and security of the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, Arab countries are protesting, saying they cannot accept the ‘two-state solution’ unless there is a clear path to it.
Regarding this mediation plan, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said in a briefing that day, “We will not attempt to negotiate here,” and added, “We will continue to work with our opponents and allies to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself.” “We are in contact,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.