The Two-State Solution is no Longer a Viable Prospect.
 

The two-state solution, as envisioned in the UN General Assembly Resolution 181, is the creation of two separate states, one for the Jewish people and one for the Palestinian people. A mutual recognition of equal rights for all citizens as well as acknowledging each party’s homeland are commitments that should be upheld in order for this solution to be viable. However, these commitments have not be successful and due to many ongoing factors two individual states is no longer a possible outcome. The reasons for this include disputes and violations regarding secure and recognised borders, equality for both Jews and Arabs, the ongoing refugee crisis and the right of return policy, Jerusalem, security and ultimately the occupation, conflict and turmoil that persists in the regions.
 

Borders between Israel and Palestine would have to be clear and agreed upon if the two-state solution were to succeed. Many would consider the border lines before the Arab-Israeli war of 67 to be correct, however, there is not an overall consensus on this. With increased Israeli settlements that seem to fragment Palestinian land and the creation of de facto borders, the likelihood of an equal land split is not viable. Especially when ‘land swaps’ enter the discussion. For ensuring these swaps are also of an equal and fair nature would require the accountability of both parties that currently is lacking. No Israeli leader has yet accepted Palestinian terms for such swaps, but have continued to steal land and expand settlements with the justification that they will potentially swap it in the future. Another important issue is that the Palestinian leadership are currently not in agreement and would have to effectively cooperate and unite if the two-state solution were to succeed.
 

Millions of Palestinian refugees must be properly compensated, provided sufficient assistance, have their suffering acknowledged, and be allowed their right of return. However, the number of Palestinian refugees is so high that their return would challenge Israel’s aim to have a legislated Jewish-only state. This is one reason why the Israeli authority refuses their rights to the land. Until this principle is abided by the process towards a two-state solution remains unviable. In regards to ownership of land, the right of return is not the only pressing issue, but also the claim from both parties that Jerusalem is their capital. The two-state solution calls for an equal divide of the city whilst ensuring that the holy sites are accessible for all faiths. However, President Trump’s recent decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem, acknowledging it as Israel’s capital, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly stating that it will be Israel’s ‘undivided and eternal capital’, completely disregards the Palestinian’s claim to the city. This reinstates why the two-state solution is not possible, with already solidifying decisions being made without the Palestinian’s consent.
 

Israel, with the U.S.’ support, have been pushing for an exclusively Jewish nation for years, however, the need for a Palestinian state has been neglected. Apartheid-like movements and restrictions that Israel have put in place present a severe problem of discrimination and the erosion of the possibility of an equal Arab state. Examples of such prejudice include a law that was recently enacted, altering the status of Palestinians residing in Israel and ranking them as second-class citizens. This motion screams apartheid if nothing else. However, the issues don’t stop there. The expansion of Jewish-only settlements, demolition of Palestinian villages, checkpoints, expulsion of residents and the continual torment that the Palestinians are forced to endure, all destroy the hope of equality for both Arabs and Jews; for it is evident that Jewish/Israeli citizens are being valued and treated at a higher level. Security for both sides would also need to be guaranteed. Israel would hope to maintain their defence against potential threats in the region and the Palestinians would hope for a full end to the foreign military occupation. However, equality, definite borders, security for both sides, the granted rights of Palestinian refugees and the end of the Israeli siege, are all things that currently unlikely and almost impossible to envision. Therefore, the success of a two-state solution is no longer possible, given the severity and extend of the conflict.