'2-state solution still possible to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict'

BERLIN

A leading German Middle East expert on Wednesday said a two-state solution is still possible despite the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza.

Both the EU and the US “are committed to the fact that a two-state solution remains the viable path to lasting peace,” said Christian-Peter Hanelt of the Bertelsmann Foundation at a press briefing.

“This means that all sides are aware that amid all this sadness, one must prepare for the time after the war for a solution to the conflict. This is an opportunity that perhaps you shouldn't miss, even if it is very difficult,” he added.

He pointed out that there are still former Palestinian and Israeli politicians as well as intellectuals who have “not given up” on the idea of a two-state solution.

Hanelt made clear that a peace solution could not be imposed on both sides.

“The two peoples are condemned to live together and there must be a solution. We cannot force this solution on them. Trust (between both sides) is of course at an extremely low point. This is extremely tragic,” he added.

The German scholar elaborated on the core questions for resolving the Mideast conflict.

“To resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, one must resolve five basic issues: the borders, the settlements, water distribution, the refugee issue, and the status of Jerusalem. And there are plans on how to solve these things,” Hanelt said.