Advertisement
Opinion | Israel-Gaza war: why a UN-backed trusteeship may be best way to end 75-year stalemate
- A transitional administration could ensure security, work towards reconstruction and lay foundations for political stability and economic development
- Such a solution would give hope to Palestinians – and reassure the Israeli government that Hamas and other extremist groups cannot return to Gaza
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
12
The massacre perpetrated against Israel by Hamas on October 7 opened a new chapter in the tragedy that is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For more than 75 years, too many opportunities to achieve lasting peace have been squandered, whether through the intransigence of some, the extremist excesses of others, the unbalanced commitment of a third party or even global disinterest in the conflict.
On Tuesday, 153 members of the United Nations General Assembly, including Canada, voted in favour of a resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Ten members voted against the resolution, including Israel and the United States. On Friday, the US also vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire.
Advertisement
Yet US President Joe Biden recently expressed an intention to resolve the conflict, saying: “Our goal should not be simply to stop the war for today – it should be to end the war forever.”
These developments, including an apparent determination by the US to re-engage its efforts to bring about lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians as thousands die in the conflict, require an examination of what would be the most effective course of action.
The least bad option?
Obviously, the chances of success may seem remote. But what are the alternatives? A return to the pre-October 7 status quo would mean accepting the more or less long-term repetition of a new cycle of appalling violence.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x