UN Envoy Warns Gaza and West Bank Escalation Threatens Two-State Solution
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolay Mladenov, stated on Monday that ongoing escalation in Gaza and the West Bank, coupled with increased settler violence, is making the two-state solution "impossible." Speaking at the Herzliya Conference in Abu Dhabi, Mladenov warned that if the situation in Gaza persists without progress on a peace plan, the two-state solution will become practically unattainable.
He explained that with over 50% of Gaza currently under Israeli military control and less than 50% under Hamas control, there is no reliable path to a political resolution. Mladenov suggested that a transitional administration, disarmament, and withdrawal from Gaza are necessary steps to revive the peace process.
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner, a senior advisor and former US envoy, commented on Sunday in Kyiv that upcoming Israeli elections are making Israeli leaders "lack a little logic" regarding Gaza. He acknowledged agreement with Israel on the final status but noted that the elections complicate their approach, though the US remains determined to overcome these challenges.
Kushner also highlighted the immense challenge of demilitarizing Gaza, stating, "You cannot enter if there are weapons," and that the scale of Gaza's militarization is beyond comprehension. Hamas reportedly agreed in late July to a US-backed roadmap for peace, which includes its disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the Strip. However, Israel has not agreed to this plan, with Prime Minister Netanyahu demanding complete Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal.
The article also notes a rise in settler attacks and "terrorism" in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza war following the October 7th Hamas attack.
