Thursday December 14, 2023
London (HOL) - Israel's ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, declared on Wednesday that Israel will "absolutely" refuse any two-state solution with Palestine following the recent Gaza war. The announcement comes amidst international calls for a ceasefire and a renewed push for peace negotiations.
Hotovely's remarks during a Sky News interview signal a stark departure from the peace process paradigm, asserting that the Palestinians aim for a state "from the river to the sea" and not alongside Israel. Hotovely's position starkly contrasts with long-standing international consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has long favoured a two-state resolution.
The Israeli campaign in Gaza, involving airstrikes and ground operations, has resulted in over 18,500 Palestinian deaths, with a substantial number of women and children among the casualties, according to Palestinian authorities. Israel's actions have heightened tensions and drawn widespread international criticism.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron have both expressed disagreement with Hotovely's stance. Sunak reaffirmed the UK's commitment to a two-state solution, while Cameron, addressing a parliamentary committee, labelled Hotovely's comments as "disappointing" and emphasized the necessity of a separate Palestinian state for Israel's security and stability.
The conflict, which escalated following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7th, has muddied the path to a peaceful resolution. Cameron acknowledged these challenges, noting the increased difficulty in advocating for a two-state solution in the wake of recent violence.
In response to the ongoing conflict and escalating settler violence in the West Bank, Cameron announced UK travel sanctions against individuals responsible for such acts. This move underscores a broader international effort to seek accountability and promote regional stability.
In a recent vote, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly supported a call for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the US objected, and the UK abstained, reflecting the complexities and diverging viewpoints in the international community regarding the conflict.
Israel's stance, as articulated by Hotovely, questions the legitimacy of the Oslo Accords and the viability of a two-state solution, has been rebuked and met with concern and opposition from international leaders. As tensions continue, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain, with key stakeholders holding divergent views on the path forward.