The bloodshed and atrocities have become the fate of the civilians on either side - be it Israel or Palestine, but now a ray of hope originates with the marvelous offer of Arab league, whereby they are ready to recognize Israeli state if it leaves occupied Palestinian land. Well, if there is no ambiguity, there is no reason why Israel will not bargain peace with the release of confiscated land. Will Israel cater?
The standoff between Israel and Palestine paradoxically started softening when Hamas took over Gaza last month. With that, Arab League has realized that the greater threat to their security is not from West-backed Israel but from the radicals, whom they have supported earlier but now they pose a threat to both sides.
Moreover, alienating Hamas in Gaza will increase Iranian and al-Qaeda influence in the region, as Arabs fear the domination flowing from the Iranian nuclear pursuit and the considerable influence that they have over Hamas and Hezbollah. Now the very thought of Persian domination sends cold to their spines. Therefore, Arabs came to Israel with an unprecedented offer of truce.
In addition to this, Arabs who never earlier bothered about Palestinian cause or recognize Israel either, at present came with the truce offer because the dragon of terror now threatens their regimes and interests. Therefore, Arabs felt the necessity to find a way to reach at accommodating peace deal for Palestinians, which, if extracted successfully, will marginalize the radical Islamists whom they have let loose so far.
On the other hand, Israel has its own concerns: the deal will leave Israel just nine miles wide in the middle and hopefully Israel won’t accept this because of security concerns. What about the fate of ‘East Jerusalem’, Israel, as it seems, will not hand over the control of city to Arabs who violated Jewish cemeteries for 20 years (from 1948 to 1967). Jerusalem is a Holy city to all faiths in the regions; it should not be given to the Palestinian alone, but should also be administered by Israel as it has been done since 1967.
So, will the peace offer fall like an over ripe fruit from a tree or will this Arab assurance soon disappear as water in the desert when it suits the Arab’s interests? And what to do with the extensive settlements in the West Bank?
Nevertheless, the meeting for the peace of Mideast is a necessary step and the fact that the Arab League is willing to do so openly is a significant development. Though there are certain issues on both sides that can mar the prospects of the deal, however, they are the meager ones, can be settled if both sides are serious about trying, and will pave the way for the prosperity of the region.
