On 13 September 2018, the 25th anniversary of the ‘Oslo Accords’ was passed. The Dutch government has always been a supporter of these accords. Unfortunately, the implementation of the Oslo Accords has stalled and the belief in the Two-state Solution is waning. Positions on both sides of the conflict harden and the situation among the Palestinians deteriorates. Is there a way out of here?
It is claimed that the only sustainable resolution of the conflict is the establishment of a ‘State of Palestine’ – with (East) Jerusalem as its capital. Is this correct? 25 years after Oslo the question seems valid if, under international law, alternative solutions are possible. This may require a more or less radical policy change, a paradigm shift even. However, creative solutions usually require a disruptive approach. If peace is served, how courageous should we be to explore new paths?
On 13 December 2018, thinc. has organised a symposium on this theme for the members of the Tweede Kamer (Lower House) of the Dutch Parliament. The objective of the symposium was to explore alternative solutions of the conflict that (i) cater to the aspirations and requirements of the contending parties, and (ii) are permissible under international law. Four subject matter experts have introduced different aspects of the conflict, including a report of the current situation on the ground and the appreciation of the conflict on both sides. The symposium took place behind closed doors and under Chatham House Rule to enable an unhindered and free exchange of views. The conclusions of the symposium will be published by thinc.
