Cameron’s Gaza plan

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who announced that London is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, has called on his allies to recognize it at the United Nations (UN).

Speaking before the Conservative Middle East Council in London, Cameron stated that a political horizon must be provided to the Palestinians to promote peace in the Middle East.

He drew attention to the need for a new Palestinian administration, led by technocrats, to take over the governance of the Gaza Strip. Cameron, who has begun his fourth Middle East tour since his appointment in November, confirmed that a possible path has opened up, and that this progress toward finding a political solution could mean that peace might take years, not months.

Following the British Foreign Secretary's positions on the conflict between Palestine and Israel and the changes this has brought to London's foreign policy, diplomatic sources explained the details of the British vision for resolving the conflict in statements to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Sources familiar with the course of discussions between the UK and international and regional parties regarding post-war arrangements in Gaza said that Cameron has recently launched a series of active diplomatic moves, held contacts with many parties, and conveyed visions based on several steps. The steps taken include halting the fighting in Gaza, bringing in more humanitarian aid to respond to the tragic conditions there, and working for the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners. It also includes initiating a series of political arrangements that will lead to radical changes on the Palestinian and Israeli sides for the reconstruction of Gaza, the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, and the recognition of this state by international parties, including the UN.

Responding to questions from Asharq Al-Awsat, the British Foreign Office reiterated Cameron's position. Cameron said that a political horizon must be provided to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza for a credible path that will lead to a Palestinian state and a new future, in an irreversible step. Stating that the UK and its partners can help by reaffirming their commitment to a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, Cameron emphasized the importance of the recognition of the Palestinian state by other parties, including the UN.

Speaking yesterday before the Conservative Middle East Council, Cameron emphasized that the past 30 years have been a story of failure for Israel, as Israel has failed to ensure the security of its citizens. He added that peace and progress can only be achieved by acknowledging this failure.

THE WEST'S NEW APPROACH

Developments recorded both in public statements and in closed-door discussions reflect a new trend among decision-making circles in London. Indeed, it is believed that the war and its disastrous repercussions have opened a narrow window that can be used to reach a sustainable solution that will ensure the cessation of the cycle of violence that has lasted for years.

Sources state that they have noticed a concrete change in the British Foreign Office's orientation regarding the Gaza war file and the arrangements for the next phase. They also say that there is an open and sincere conversation about the necessity of moving toward formulating sustainable political solutions based on the establishment and international recognition of a Palestinian state. They add that this is recorded in contrast to previous trends that were always based on the foundation of negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis regarding a two-state solution. Indeed, these developments reflect a remarkable change in the way Western circles approach the means of reaching real solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict following the latest round of war.

NO ROLE FOR HAMAS

According to the sources, the British side pointed out that its position is firm on refusing to accept any role for Hamas in the governance of the Gaza Strip or its participation in any government that will manage Palestinian affairs in the next phase. Arrangements for the transition phase ultimately aim to reach general elections that will lead to the formation of a new leadership for the Palestinians based on elections.

BRITAIN'S HUMANITARIAN PLAN

Asharq Al-Awsat reviewed a copy of the proposed British document regarding intervention in the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The document identifies a series of obstacles and how to overcome them, calling on Israel to open all border crossings in the Gaza Strip to international aid convoys and to allow supplies to arrive from the Port of Ashdod. The document also addressed increasing the goods and aid allowed into the strip and revitalizing the new land corridor from Jordan to Gaza.

The draft also includes a call for Israel to restore the supply of water and electricity to the Gaza Strip, to allow the entry of sufficient quantities of fuel for the operation of basic infrastructure, and to grant more visas to employees of international organizations, allowing them to enter the Gaza Strip to oversee the arrival and distribution of aid.

British communications from some parties show that London is pushing the Palestinian Authority to make real and concrete reforms by forming a new government that will manage the situation in the West Bank and Gaza during a transition period lasting two to three years.

GENERAL ELECTIONS

International calls for the Palestinian Authority to continue with concrete reforms are increasing. On Monday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced the launch of a new phase of the reform program, which includes radical changes in a number of ministries, state institutions, embassies, and in the judicial, security, administrative, and financial systems.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS?

The chances of success for London's plans continue to depend on the capacity of international parties. Indeed, Washington and regional mediators are working to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas on ceasefire issues and to complete an agreement on the release and exchange of prisoners. This means continuing to implement the humanitarian and political solution proposals that the British government insists upon.

On Sunday, American, Egyptian, Qatari, and Israeli officials held a meeting in Paris, the capital of France. The participants agreed to continue working toward completing an exchange deal that could open the door to the possibility of taking subsequent steps that would provide a lasting solution, as well as a framework for a ceasefire agreement.

News Source: 12punto