Why Israel Should Reconsider Returning the Occupied Territories

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has been a contentious issue for decades, with the occupied territories at the heart of the dispute. This article will explore three compelling reasons why Israel should consider returning the occupied territories, including the West Bank, to the Palestinian people.

Legal and International Recognition

The current status of the occupied territories, particularly the West Bank, resembles the situation in Ukraine where Russia has annexed territories without international recognition. If we accept that Israel’s annexation of these territories is illegitimate, then the same logic should apply to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Both situations are characterized by territories taken without international recognition as part of an occupying country’s territory.

The West Bank has not been recognized as an integral part of Israel’s territory by the international community. Therefore, any continued occupation can be compared to the unrecognised annexation of territories in Ukraine. Legally, it is crucial for both Israel and the international community to work towards a resolution where the West Bank is returned to Palestinian control, ensuring recognition and respect for the region's historical and cultural heritage.

Creating a Contiguous and Peaceful Palestine

A West Bank free of Israeli military control would serve as a foundation for establishing a contiguous Palestinian state. This would not only provide the Palestinian population with a safe environment but also enable them to practice their rights and ensure their own political authority. The current situation, where Israeli military dominance hinders the development of a Palestinian state, makes it impossible for the local population to establish and maintain a viable and recognised state.

As long as Israeli forces control the West Bank, any attempts to establish a Palestinian state would be thwarted. It is essential that the Israeli military vacate the West Bank to create a space where Palestinians can exercise their rights and autonomy. This would pave the way for a Palestinian state that can govern its citizens, provide public services, and facilitate economic growth, thereby improving the quality of life for the Palestinian population.

Potential for Long-term Peace and Stability

The creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank has the potential to significantly reduce tensions and improve the overall stability of the region. While animosities and attacks will likely continue, a Palestinian state can provide a stable foundation for economic development and political authority. This state would allow Palestinians to live in their own country, contributing to a more functional economy and political system.

With a Palestinian state in place, the Palestinian population would gain access to better job opportunities, public services, and a higher standard of living. This can help reduce the motivation for radical groups to incite violence, as Palestinians would see a tangible, secure alternative to the current precarious state of affairs. Additionally, a Palestinian state would promote a unified national narrative, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its citizens.

Efforts to drive Palestinians out of the region and depend on neighbouring countries to contain them are ineffective and counterproductive. Such actions only contribute to the cycle of violence and instability. Instead, a more effective strategy would be to facilitate the creation of a Palestinian state that can provide its citizens with the means to achieve a normal and safe life within their own homeland.

Returning the occupied territories, including the West Bank, to the Palestinian people is not just a moral imperative but also a pragmatic step towards a more peaceful and stable Middle East. By recognizing and supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state, the international community can help pave the way for lasting peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel must take the lead in this process, working towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. This includes recognising the West Bank as a future Palestinian state, and supporting the implementation of a two-state solution that can bring about a lasting peace for all parties involved.