The much-talked about Israel-Palestine crisis actually began in the middle of the 20th century. Although many efforts have been put in place to resolve the crisis and birth a sustainable peace process, but as at the end of 2019, only a small degree of success has been realized.
Despite a long-term peace process and the reconciliation of Israel with Jordan, and Egypt; unfortunately the Palestinians and Israelis have not been able to reach a final peace accord.
The bone of contention has to do with a mutual recognition and security borders, water rights, control of Jerusalem, Palestinian freedom of movements and a right of return.
China Daily reports that Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the UN on Wednesday said China was seriously disturbed about reports of Israel’s planned annexation of a part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The two-state proposition is the only sustainable solution for the crisis which has lasted many years. Therefore, China urges Israel to halt such a unilateral action because it could escalate conflict and tension in the region.
China does not believe any country should support such unilateral actions. China believes the Security Council should discharge its mandate and do everything possible to abort such a dangerous move, and promote the early resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks in conformity with relevant UN resolutions.
Zhang emphasized that the Palestinian question is the root cause of the conflict and an independent statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
According to CGTN news, Zhang told the Security Council that the Palestinian people should trust China’s continued support to help restore their legitimate national rights.
He said China fully supports Palestinians in building an independent and sovereign state on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as their capital.
He promised China would work closely with the international community in the pursuit of a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Also according to VOA News report, the U.N. envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, informed the Security Council in a virtual meeting that Israel’s continuing threat of annexation of parts of the West Bank is a violation of international law, and that it deals a death blow to the two-state solution.
Israel’s new coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has reiterated its plan to annex about 30% of the West Bank, including Palestinian-dominated areas and Israeli settlements.
Envoy Mladenov told the Security Council that the Palestinian response is a desperate search for help by leaders who have made much investment in preparing for statehood since the Oslo peace process over 20 years ago.
He urged council members to support the U.N. Secretary-General’s call against unilateral steps that could hamper diplomatic propositions to facilitate the resumption of peace talks.
He therefore called on his colleagues in the Middle East, US and the European Union to work with the U.N. and urgently present proposals to enable the Quartet assume its mediation role in collaboration with countries in the region to advance the prospect for a lasting peace.
The European members of the Security Council released a joint statement indicating their interest in assisting negotiations and said they were willing to support and facilitate direct and meaningful negotiations between the two parties, to achieve a just and lasting peace.
South Africa’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Xolisa Mabhongo, noted it was unbelievable that in such challenging times when the world is desperately looking for a solution to the coronavirus pandemic, Israel is busy taking advantage of the situation to further advance her unapproved annexation of Palestinian land. He regarded this Israeli plan as unbecoming and as a major threat to efforts to restore peace in the region.
U.S. Envoy, Kelly Craft, urged the Palestinians and Israelis to come together for a proper discussion to resolve their issues.
She said since both parties are desperate about finding a solution, it is time for them to prove it.
She acknowledged that council members have strong concerns and objections about the US President’s which includes Israel’s annexation of a part of the West Bank in exchange for giving the Palestinian’s two pieces of land in the Negev Desert for a future state with the Middle East.
Craft said the plan was realistic and implementable and the Security Council should urge the Palestinian authority to consider the initiative as an opportunity to birth their aspirations.
Meanwhile, after a meeting of Palestinian authority late on Tuesday, President Mahmoud Abbas declared that his government should not be blamed if she chooses not to respect understandings and agreements under the 1993 Oslo Agreements, including on security coordination with the US and Israel.
