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Whoever is elected on 7 May will be called upon to uphold the international humanitarian law which the UK helped to write. The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a big test of that commitment. A new Dods poll of British Parliamentary candidates, commissioned by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), asked if the British Government should recognise Palestine in 2015 alongside Israel on pre-1967 lines. The majority of respondents said yes, a position consistent with the stance of the House of Commons who voted emphatically last October in favour of recognition. UK recognition of Palestine is the right decision for the wellbeing of future generations in Israel and in Palestine alike.
What difference does recognition make? A big, positive change for the peoples of the region and the wider world. First, to us: we regain our balance in addressing a conflict which has lasted too long, and in which our role is significant but has been ineffectual. An even-handed approach is needed. Recognition of both parties to the conflict levels the ground somewhat. Second, to the Palestinian people, the vast majority of whom seek peace with their neighbour but are losing hope in a fair, non-violent negotiated solution. Third, the Israeli people, who need reassurance that the two state solution is in their best long-term interest, because their neighbour really will assume the responsibilities of statehood, including non-belligerence. We can reinforce that assurance, and – with our partners - guarantee the security of both peoples. As to the world – we show that we practise what we preach regarding the primacy of human rights and the rule of law. Extremists thrive on the perception of injustice, victimisation and double standards.
Recognition of Palestine now nails that perception. Better late than never.
Recognition is necessary, but not sufficient to resolve the conflict. Our act of recognition will bring other European partners with us: first and foremost France, but also Ireland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Finland and Norway - emulating Sweden. This impetus will stimulate a fresh effort in the forum where international law and political will come together – the UN Security Council. UN Resolution 242 was the world’s response to the 1967 War. It ruled out the acquisition of territory by force. While we have seen that force can prevail, for a time, might is not right. France’s efforts to create a clear UN framework for peace deserve support – with consequences for anyone who breaks the law and rejects the framework.
The tragedy of Gaza is neither right nor inevitable. The misery, fear and hatred it has created bode ill for the future of Israelis and Palestinians. A new report released this month by a coalition of 46 international NGOs said: “we must ensure that this most recent and most devastating conflict was the last one. There must be consequences for continued violations. By facilitating a culture of impunity, the international community is committing itself indefinitely to picking up the pieces”. Key recommendations are that Israel must lift her 8 year old blockade of Gaza; Egypt must reopen the Rafah Crossing to innocent passage, and Palestinians must reunite Gaza with the West Bank politically.
If nothing changes, all too soon we will witness a fourth Gaza conflict in 6 years. The best way to prevent it is through a truce - formal or tacit, but durable – with nobody initiating violence. Then reconstruction of Gaza can be the priority – without arguments over access for people or building materials.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s next Government will be judged by its deeds, not by words. But Netanyahu’s words on the eve of the election – no Palestinian state on my watch – served only to illuminate what we saw from him when in office. The international community, led by Britain, has condemned the repeated failure to remove illegal outposts as required in the 2003 Roadmap, and deplored the systematic increase in illegal but state-planned settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. On 21 April the UN Secretary General called for a settlement freeze. If his call goes unheeded, consequences must follow: no more impunity for illegal acts, whoever commits them.
The British Government we elect on 7 May faces many challenges. Bringing justice to this conflict is one of them. The will of most British people, voiced by their future MPs, is to start to address this moral challenge now by recognising both states in the Holy Land.
Sir Vincent Fean was British Consul-General, Jerusalem, 2010-14. Now retired, he is a trustee of Medical Aid for Palestinians and patron of the Britain-Palestine Friendship and Twinning Association.
For more information about MAP visit: www.map-uk.org/