A Pathway Towards Sustainable Peace in Palestine and Israel

Nearly a year after the 7 October attacks by Hamas and Israel’s ongoing, disproportionate assault on Gaza, The Elders call for a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that can lead to a truly just and sustainable peace. This should be underpinned by the following Guiding Principles, to achieve sovereignty, self-determination and equal rights for both peoples.

The time to forge a new pathway to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is now. There can be no return to the status quo before the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023. That status quo was shaped by the international community’s failure over decades to deliver on the promise of ending Israeli occupation and realising a two-state solution, reverting to a conflict management approach that did not address the root causes of the conflict.

There is a stark choice ahead. The Government of Israel is continuing to pursue an unlawful, permanent occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, based on expansion of illegal settlements, systemic discrimination and the subjugation of one people by another. Israel’s legislation and measures constitute a breach of its international obligations on racial segregation and apartheid. Even if tolerated or supported by some states for too long, this situation will never be accepted by the global community of nations. Instead, it will generate more conflict and support for armed resistance, and Israel will find itself increasingly isolated.