中文
By Bobby Naderi
During a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Beijing on October 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China supports the creation of a humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to Palestinians trapped in Gaza, adding that Beijing would cooperate with Cairo in this effort.
According to the Chinese leader, "The fundamental way out of the recurring Palestine-Israel conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent state of Palestine, so as to realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel."
It came after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, causing the region to experience its worst crisis in more than a decade. Since the attack on October 7 and Israel's retaliatory strikes, thousands of people have been killed and injured in both Israel and Gaza.
Potential for ceasefire
The reasons and catalysts for the Hamas attack on Israel are clear. The explosions of rage and violence will continue as long as the grievances on both sides remain unresolved. The current tensions have risen due to the flagrant contempt for UN standards and the fact that both sides failed to steer clear of targeting civilians.
Finding a way to peace is not a simple process, but it starts with understanding how all facets of the current conflict are interconnected. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a singular problem; rather, it is a component of a larger global environment characterized by division. It is necessary to address divisive institutions and ideas that fuel this conflict, including intelligence and media spooks, in order to stand up, recognize, and address all the outstanding issues.
It demands that the parties to the conflict take into account the international community's call for a "two-state solution." The right to self-determination and the creation of their own independent states belong to both Israelis and Palestinians. Both sides can rule themselves in line with their own interests and values.
The "two-state solution" can encourage economic development, because it offers a precise framework for determining borders, improving trade and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Each state can put in place its own commerce and security measures if its borders are well defined. The pursuit of economic growth and the enhancement of living standards for Palestinians living in an independent state can promote peace and prosperity in the region.
Increasingly, the two-state solution is supported by a sizeable majority of the population in the region as well, especially Palestinians. This is vital information. A key element in this strategy's effective implementation is public support.
The ominous thing is that the status of Jerusalem, the right of Palestinian refugees to return, and the location of Israeli settlements in the West Bank are still some of the major challenges and obstacles to the "two-state solution's" implementation. To resolve these difficulties and make progress towards a durable peace deal, diplomacy and compromise must be successful.
A critical stance
President Xi's call for an immediate ceasefire is a crucial stance. Any fruitful conversation must start with an immediate end to violence and hostilities. China has joined the broader international consensus in calling for a truce, showing its willingness to help bring about a peaceful conclusion.
China's support of Egypt's efforts to establish humanitarian corridors and its willingness to enhance cooperation with Egypt and other Arab nations is a step in the right direction too. President Xi stated that China is also willing to work with Egypt and other Arab countries to enhance economic cooperation in a variety of sectors.
In the present world of war, the "two-state solution" together with economic stability and prosperity has the potential to be important contributors in easing tensions and fostering a peaceful region. Developing new commercial relationships can increase prosperity and mutual understanding between Palestinians and Israelis. Increased trade can foster interdependence and shared interests, which can be thought of as a practical way to assist programs aimed at preventing further violence.
The ongoing bloodshed serves as a sobering warning of what happens when missteps, division, and distrust persist. Regrettably, the parties concerned failed to prioritize civilian protection, embrace the timeless ideals of a balanced and nuanced understanding, and acknowledge how their struggle is interconnected in order to learn from mistakes. It is hardly coincidental that they failed to achieve the goal of enduring peace by putting aside their differences and cooperating.
Working together, China and the Arab world, notably Egypt, can contribute to such a peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine. The encouragement of a ceasefire, trade and economic expansion, and diplomatic collaboration all work together to create an environment that is receptive to protracted peace talks and agreed-on standards.
Bobby Naderi, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a London-based journalist, guest contributor in print, radio and television, and documentary filmmaker.
