Israel And Palestine Conflict

by Ryan G

The Jews and the Palestinians have been fighting over the land between Jordan and the sea for many years. Both groups lay claim to this land but for different reasons. Originally the Jews occupied the land when it was called Judea in biblical times. When the Romans conquered Judea 1900 years ago, the Jews were forced out and went to live in other areas, mainly in Europe. Over time the Palestinians began to settle on this land. Years later, after WWII and the Holocaust, many Jews felt compelled to return to their homeland. However, the Palestinians were already living there and had no intention of leaving. Both ethnic groups feel strongly that the land is rightfully theirs creating conflict. There are two solutions to the problem. One of those is the idea of having one state solution where the land is undivided. It would be a single country in which the Palestinians and Jews live mixed together with equal rights. There’s also the two state solution in which the land would be split where both the Jews and Palestinians would each have their own independent country with its own government and policies.

This conflict has caused lots of death and other issues for many years. Something needs to be done, sooner rather than later. Personally, I feel that there is only one solution to the conflict, the two state solution. With a two state solution, both ethnic groups achieve their own independence. It is also a much more practical solution to implement.

I favor a two state solution mainly because it is simply more practical. Gershom Gorgenberg, Associate Editor of The Jerusalem Report agrees. In his article published in 2009, he states, “Difficult as reaching a two-state agreement is, it is still a more practical solution than a single state.” It is also more practical because the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians support this approach. Many countries in the west such as the U.S. agree with the two state solution.

Another reason why I support a two state approach is because it allows both groups, Israelis and Palestinians, to each have their own independence. Each state would have their own nationality, own flag, own customs, and their own separate identity. The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, also recognizes that Palestinians want a country of their own. In a speech he gave on June 14, 2009, he stated, “In my vision of peace, in this small land of ours, two peoples live freely, side-by-side, in amity and mutual respect. Each will have its own flag, its own national anthem, its own government. Neither will threaten the security or survival of the other.” Each state would be independent with its own nationality and separate identity. With the countries having their own military they can solve war issues on their own without sacrificing more lives from other countries. This also means they would be able to help the UN resolve its issues with other countries. The Jews are now better protected from anti-semitism, and the Palestinians don't have to share a country with the Jews.

In conclusion, I believe the world would be a better place if this conflict could be solved. The best way to solve this problem will be to create two separate states. This approach has been implemented in other countries with opposing political groups, therefore it should be successful again. This solution should leave these countries with less conflict between the two.

Citations

• Gershom Gorenberg, Associate Editor of The Jerusalem Report, "Two States, Still One Exit" in The American Prospect ,July 2, 2009 . http://israelipalestinian.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001327

• Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, "Address by PM Netanyahu at Bar-Ilan University,” on a June 14, 2009.