Gershon Baskin is an expert on the Middle East conflict. He has been working on mechanisms for a possible peace for decades and has excellent contacts with the political wing of Hamas. A conversation about a possible two-state solution, German support for Israel and the current proposal for a ceasefire.
Mr. Baskin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that Israel’s mediated proposal to Hamas for a ceasefire was extraordinarily generous. Is it really?
As far as I know, Israel is offering to lift the checkpoint that prevents people from crossing from the south to the north of the Gaza Strip. If true, this is a major Israeli concession. In addition, a large number of Palestinian prisoners are to be released, probably up to a thousand prisoners for 33 Israeli hostages. In order to work out this proposal, a delegation from the Egyptian secret service spent three days in Israel. This is unprecedented. The Egyptians exerted great pressure on the Israelis. Now they are putting pressure on Hamas and expect an agreement.
“The Egyptians put a lot of pressure on the Israelis. Now they are putting pressure on Hamas and expect an agreement.”
China recently organized talks to initiate a rapprochement between Fatah and Hamas. What can we expect from these talks?
These talks are not important. Everyone knows that after the war there must be a Palestinian entity that integrates the political wing of Hamas. Those now speaking as representatives of the Palestinian Authority in Beijing are direct representatives of President Mahmoud Abbas. However, the chances of success for an agreement between Abbas and Hamas are zero. Therefore, these talks will not be the way to reach an agreement.
There is currently a lot of talk about the two-state solution. How do you rate the chances of implementation?
The two-state solution is back. Not only the USA, but the whole world and especially the countries of the Middle East are talking about it. The reason is that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer limited to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It has expanded and threatens the security and stability of the entire region. However, it is also obvious that a two-state solution cannot be achieved with the current leadership in Israel and Palestine. However, if there is political change in Israel and Palestine, there will be international pressure to bring the two parties back to a regional agreement.
“However, it is also obvious that a two-state solution cannot be achieved with the current leadership in Israel and Palestine.”
What role can Europe play with regard to a two-state solution?
All European countries must recognize the state of Palestine. They have been talking about it for 30 years, but only recognize one of the two states. Recognizing Palestine will not end the occupation by Israel, but it will change the parameters for future negotiations on a two-state solution. Incidentally, the two-state solution is the only way to defeat Hamas. Because Hamas is against the two-state solution. And if you want to defeat Hamas, you have to give the Palestinians hope, freedom and dignity and offer Israel security. The two-state solution is the way to move forward. I therefore believe that it is more real than ever before.
Following its reason of state, Berlin supports Israel unconditionally. How much does this really help Israel?
Germany should not just blindly support Israel, but help it make peace with its neighbors. There is a good saying in American English. It says that you don’t let a good friend drive drunk. And Israel is drunk at the wheel right now.
Click here to read the other articles in our “5 questions to” series.
