As the world grapples with the changing dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, which are consuming both resources and diplomatic efforts, the Palestinian peace process seems to have come to a standstill.
Only one country is steadfastly moving towards a stronger approach in resolving the question : France.
Although the US is scheduled for talks on the peace prospects and a possible resolution of the Palestinian claims, not much is being done.
Just yesterday, Palestinians breached for the first time the protection wall erected by the Israeli government. The wall, which was designed to curb bombing attacks, was also hampering greatly the ability of Palestinians to work and obtain necessary staples.
France therefore, is the standard bearer for the cause at the time, the single voice that is steadfastly being heard in support of Palestinian's rights.
In a move that seems to make a mockery of the US efforts at negotiating a peace, Netanyahu's efforts seem to be singularly aimed at building even more settlements and possibly encroaching in holy places places in Jerusalem if a new law is passed that would allow Jews to pray on the Temple Mount grounds.
Hollande, in particular, is speaking against the settlements. Many of the construction sites have been started in earnest after expropriation of land that is already slated to become part of the Palestinian land claim. In effect, by building even as it speaks of wanting to settle the Palestinian claims, Israel's right wing dominated government is ensuring that more and more buildings are erected in lands that in theory are not part of the Israeli state and can then become contentious during peace talks under the premise that to give that part of the land away, would leave the settlers unprotected and expropriate their possessions.
Hollande was firm in his statement however, and unequivocal, as he should be. He ordered that Israel stop all settlement activity. In his mind, and rightly so, there cannot be a two state solution, the final aim of Palestinian claims and their hope for sovereignty of at least part of the lands they claim as their own, if Israel continues to play this game. It is a game that has been going on for too long a time to be done for innocent reasons as claimed. No one believes any longer that such settlements are justified or that Israel is not purposely breaking its own commitments to suit its own purposes.
Abbas, the Palestinian premier, on the other hand, seems to want to proceed even if Israel continues to break ground, so that at least the two state solution can become a reality.
But Hollande is not so sanguine. He fully expects Israel to be earnest to its promises and commitments and to prove such earnestness with meaningful action.
Op-Ed
Source : France 24/ 11.18.13
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