Israel-Palestine: Can a one-state solution work? | The Stream

For decades, the United States and the West have pushed for, and failed to broker, a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. The concept, which calls of the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, has been a key part of the long-stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

While there continues to be hope for such an agreement, popularity of a one-state solution is growing, particularly among Palestinians.

In a recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR), 33 percent of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip said they support a one-state solution. That number is up from 24 percent just three months ago. In an interview, Khalil Shikaki, director of PSR, said Palestinians who support a one-state solution are typically younger, nationalist, and secular but that the growth in popularity seems to be more widespread this time.

One reason may be Israel’s continued settlement building in the occupied West Bank, which is illegal under international law. For many Palestinians, the continued annexation of Palestinian land makes it hard to imagine a viable Palestinian state being formed through negotiation with Israel.

On this episode of The Stream, we take a look at whether a one-state solution is truly a more realistic path to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

#aljazeeraenglish
#ajstream
#israel-palestine

[SirSX]

I support a one-state solution, but only as a secular, multiracial, democratic state.

[duskendawne]

As an Israeli person, I love both my Jewish and Arab brothers and sisters, and hope that one day we can live together in peace and harmony in this beautiful land ❤

[captainclarky]

Al Jazeera has guts leaving the comments on, especially during the livestream. This is much more honest than most international news organisations

[kabelontitsane]

One state solution is a utopian ideal. It ignores very real animosity and suspicion both people have for each other.

[Aperspective]

the solutions are there and very possible, but the minds and hearts have to be cleaned first. Once people recognize the humanity and needs of each other, then they can find solutions. God has put compassion to everyone's heart, but it becomes muddied due to fear mongering. Everyone needs safety, but if you tell someone their safety is dependent on the other party's death or expulsion, then they don't think sanely and act terribly. May Allah guide us all.

[niezaarabrahams]

It's time Israel follows South Africa's example and create one state for all its people, including for the majority people the Palestians.

[robzonefire]

establish a Federal Republic and grant Palestinians equal rights and benefits as any other Israelis.

[i_likemen]

Abolish the state of Israel and create a new state in its place. This new state should grant equal rights for both Jews and Palestinians, and grant all Palestinians in Diaspora to return to their homeland

[zarinth]

The current conflict in Israel proves that Single-state solution where Israel and Palestine have dual citizenship is the way to go. Where each have citizenship of both and can move freely in both.

[ahmedodeh]

as a palestinian from ramallah, i can tell you that at least 70-80% of the people from all over the west bank want a one state solution as long as israel provides us with full israeli citizenship. life under israel for us would be a million times better, the people here are hungry they want to live and make a comfortable living for them and their families, not possible under the corrupt Palestinian authority. If i could vote for a one state solution under israel i would in a heart beat, it’s better for the people here. look at the arab israelis who already live in israel and have citizenship, they live amazing lives and if you were to ask them if they would give up their israeli citizenship for a Palestinian one living under the PA, they wouldn’t even bother answering, bc it’s a NO.

[mohamedaboelenein]

It is the only solution left. It will have to work.

[roieis]

Great to see balanced discussions by AJ. Three anti Israel guests “arguing” among themselves.

[morgankw]

It's really the only realistic solution now. A two-state solution might have worked decades ago, but not anymore. For it to work though, it must be secular, democratic, treat Arabic and Hebrew as co-equal, co-official languages, ensure citizenship and equal rights to all people of Palestine, and ensure right of return for those who were pushed out during the Nakhba.

[tka-tpa-prapatankalisari]

🤔'We must say openly
to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are
said only behind *closed doors* '. 

There must be a sustained effort

to
LISTEN 👂 to each other;

to LEARN ✍️ from each other;

to RESPECT one another;

and to seek common ground. 

As the # *Holy Koran* tells us, "Be conscious
of God and speak always the truth." 

That is what I will try
to do today -- to speak the truth as best I can,

humbled by the task
before us.

Thank you.
And may God bless us all 🙏 !.

GOOD HEALTH ALWAYS everyone !!!.
😷
# I Thank you.

[chrisapps-dhyd]

I think one state from the river to the sea is an excellent option! The new government should have equal representation of both the Jews and Palestinians. Initial laws and regulations should be drafted by the international community for the new country. Once rules are established, the new leaders can begin to govern and change laws as needed. There should be only even numbers of Senators, Congressman, Supreme Court judges, 2 Prime Ministers, etc. There should be an equal ammount of representation for all bodies of government, for example12 supreme court judges, 6 Jews and 6 Arabs. Sure there may be many deadlocks, they will have to get along to govern. The miltary & security forces should be equal as well. The international community should force Israel to accept this.

[LeoDas]

Whichever is better for Palestinians, if a one-state solution can help Palestinians can integrate and is treated as equal to Israels and have equal right and opportunity, one state can be really good since Israel is already really developed and so many Israel already occupy a large part of the west bank, It can also make Israel or the new country bring created more secular, we can also consider autonomous territories within the new country

[brentriley]

Palestinian citizens of Israel are positioned to reframe the conflict. Everything can change when they organize a sustained campaign for equality.

[memully]

A one secular state solution with equal rights, and the right of return respected, and a constitution that protects the rights of the different communities.

[stevemohammed]

Orthodox Jews and not the Zionists Jews can live in harmony and peace with harmony including The Christains

[Boratman]

I wish this discussion went farther, because that's where the interesting thing lies. I think it's not a waste of time at all to flesh out what one state could look like in real terms. Otherwise nobody knows what they're promoting in actuality. Palestinians could hypothetically hijack Israel's electoral system through a campaign for equal rights, but from their perspective this would force them to have to jump through Israel's hoops so to speak. Of course, the struggle would only begin at that point, but it could be a mobe forward that opens a plethora of political possibilities. Unlike now, when the only possibility is sustained occupation. I wish more people would acknowledge this. In 10 years the same options will be on the table