How to respond to the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognize Jewish settlements in the occupied territories as not violating international law? One option: recognize that Israel can do what others cannot. Another option: to recognize that international law is a private matter of the American president. As he says, so be it. Both of these options are few who are satisfied.
Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn invited the EU to recognize the State of Palestine as an answer. Russia has long recognized Palestine. There is also an embassy of Palestine in Moscow, where the ambassador sits, a wonderful diplomat Abdel Hafiz Nofal. There is an embassy in Russia in Ramallah, where the ambassador is a former RT editor, knowledgeable and sensible Aidar Aganin. Palestine is recognized by many countries - members of the European Union, in particular Sweden and Luxembourg itself, as well as 130 countries of the world. The exceptions are, rather, countries that do not recognize Palestine, but even there, parliaments and public organizations require recognition. That is, the proposal of Luxembourg is undeniably true, but insufficient.
Legal tricks around Israel and Palestine relate to the status of territories captured by Israel in 1967, more than half a century ago. Theoretically, these territories are occupied by Israel and almost five million inhabitants are under the regime of military occupation. And almost everything is much worse. There are no such long - half a century - occupations. The occupation is a temporary regime.
They say to Israel: “You really decide! If the occupied territories - do not build your settlements, because it prohibits both international law and common sense.
And if you want to join these territories, give rights to the residents. ” But Israel decided (and with the help of the United States and managed) to eat the fish and swing on the chandelier. It seems that these territories are occupied and their inhabitants do not have to be given civil and political rights. And on the other hand, if an Israeli wants to settle there, then Israel will give him Palestinian land and the soldier will send - to guard.
And so every year, less and less land remains with the Palestinians. And the Palestinians are ever less right, and the prospects are even less. We are talking about simple human rights: a Palestinian can neither build a house, nor dig a well, or collect olives without the permission of the Israeli authorities. And, of course, cannot move and work freely. There is no such regime anywhere in the world - this is much steeper than ordinary discrimination, which, unfortunately, has not been eradicated in many countries.
The recognition of the Palestinian state is a step in the right direction, only insufficient. Now the UN is discussing various proposals, in particular - to send UN peacekeeping troops for a military settlement. But the United States will probably veto such a project.
There is one simple way out: to demand that Tel Aviv give equal rights to the Palestinians. Talking about two states is, of course, very good and soulful, but the reality is completely different. Israel and Palestine - one country, one system of water, electricity, telephony. Only very different rights for Jews and non-Jews.
But Russia alone cannot offer this and defend it. We need international support, and first of all, the support of the European Union and leading Arab states. Such a diplomatic initiative would make sense, and it would fully respond to all Trump's initiatives - both in Jerusalem, and in the Golan Heights, and in settlements. It would transform Israel from a hotbed of aggression in the Middle East into a peaceful state, friends with its neighbors.
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.