Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Initiate urgent preparations for long-term two-state resolution without waiting for ceasefire.
Conclusion
The UK needs to kickstart urgently the process of preparing the ground for negotiation of a long-term two-state resolution to the conflict, without waiting for a ceasefire. In doing this, it must act more boldly and bravely to leverage the UK’s long history of involvement with and understanding of the region—along with its specialist expertise in science, technology and diplomacy—to bring Israel, the Palestinians and the other countries together. The UK should take the initiative in organising meetings, and also insist on having a seat at the table in processes, like the France-Saudi Arabia conference on the two-state solution, that have been initiated by others. (Recommendation, Paragraph 85)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating the UK has played a full part in the Saudi-French Conference, announced its position on Palestinian state recognition, and is focused on intensive diplomacy for a Framework for Peace. These efforts complement existing processes to find common ground.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees with this recommendation. The UK has played a full part in the recent Saudi-French Two State Solution Conference, chairing, with Egypt, the working group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction. During that conference, the former Foreign Secretary announced the UK’s position on recognition of a Palestinian State. He was clear that this step was ‘to protect the viability of the two-state solution’. As the Prime Minister and the then Foreign Secretary have set out, intensive UK diplomacy is focused on advancing the Framework for Peace which is a broader plan for Gaza. Key elements include a monitoring mechanism for a ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas, and a new governance framework for Gaza. Our aim is to provide a credible alternative to the current bloodshed that all parties can accept. Our efforts complement existing processes and are an attempt to find common ground which can enable progress towards a diplomatic process. Recommendation 17