In a significant and contentious statement, Israel’s ambassador to Britain, Tzipi Hotovely, declared that Israel would not accept a two-state solution with the Palestinians once the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza concludes. The conflict, now entering its third month, originated from unprecedented attacks by the Palestinian group on October 7. Israeli officials claim these attacks resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, prompting Israel to launch a relentless bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza.
Speaking to Sky News, Tzipi Hotovely expressed a firm rejection of the long-standing position held by the UK government and the United Nations, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution. When pressed on the issue, Hotovely emphatically stated, “The answer is absolutely no,” asserting that the failure of the Oslo Accords was rooted in the Palestinians’ alleged lack of interest in a state coexisting with Israel.
Hotovely questioned the global obsession with a formula that, in her view, had never worked and had contributed to radicalization among the Palestinian population. She argued that the Palestinians aimed for a state “from the river to the sea,” challenging the widely recognized two-state solution that envisions an independent Palestine alongside Israel. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), aimed to establish peaceful coexistence but faced criticism from Hotovely for not achieving its intended goals.
Hotovely criticized the Palestinian Authority for not condemning Hamas’ attack even two months after the conflict began, deeming it a significant problem. This perspective underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges in reaching a consensus on a viable solution.
In response to Hotovely’s statement, UK Prime Minister Sunak expressed disagreement, reiterating the long-standing position that the two-state solution remains the preferred outcome. Sunak emphasized that this solution aligns with the UK’s stance on the matter and conveyed the importance of Israel taking precautions to protect innocent civilian lives amid the ongoing conflict.
Hotovely’s rejection of the two-state solution adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing conflict, coupled with divergent perspectives on potential solutions, highlights the need for continued diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a resolution that ensures lasting peace in the region.
