Ramallah: Conference of the Palestinian Peace Alliance Discusses the Future of the Palestinian State and Current Political Challenges

The Palestinian Peace Alliance, in partnership with the Principles of Peace organization, organized a conference at the Carmel Hotel in Ramallah, with the participation of a number of diplomats and representatives of the governments of Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the European Union.

In his opening speech, the Director-General of the Palestinian Peace Alliance, Nidal Foqaha, said that the war in the Gaza Strip and the regional escalation associated with the Iranian war, along with the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, have placed Palestinians before significant and multi-dimensional challenges.

Foqaha added that the absence of a political process is not the only challenge at the current stage, warning that the two-state solution faces a real danger as a result of settlement expansion and the escalation of settler attacks. He stressed that the international community is currently witnessing increasing recognition of the State of Palestine, pointing to the diplomatic efforts led by France, which affirm that achieving lasting stability cannot be done without a just political solution. He said: "We are facing an important strategic opportunity, which is to move from the stage of recognizing the State of Palestine to working on translating this recognition into a tangible reality on the ground."

A number of politicians and academics participated in the conference, along with dozens of young men and women and political activists. Participants discussed a range of current political issues, including the prospects for the establishment of a Palestinian state, regional and international calculations in the aftermath of the Iranian war, the changing positions and calculations of the European Union and the United States, in addition to the continuous deterioration of conditions in the West Bank.

For her part, the Director of the Principles of Peace organization in Geneva, Switzerland, Hiba Al-Qassas, said that achieving security, peace, and stability in the region can only be achieved through resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination. She added: "There is no doubt that we are going through a dangerous moment in the West Bank, but the Israeli and Palestinian elections are around the corner, and on the Israeli side, many serious developments may occur before the elections, but that does not necessarily mean that the scene will be ideal after they are held." Al-Qassas indicated that clear political messages have recently been issued regarding the upcoming Israeli government, noting the possibility of taking steps that would alleviate restrictions imposed on Palestinian tax funds and some other restrictions, which could contribute to improving existing conditions and opening the door for new political opportunities.

The conference sessions also addressed issues of political renewal through elections and governance, and anticipating the future political horizon in light of local, regional, and international changes.

The conference witnessed a discussion on the elections of the Fatah Central Committee and the Revolutionary Council elections, with the presence of Dr. Dalal Erekat, Professor of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at the Arab American University and a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council. Participants emphasized during the discussion the importance of holding legislative council elections and presidential elections as a fundamental step towards enhancing political participation and renewing Palestinian democratic legitimacy.