Qatar’s mediation can bring peace to the Middle East

As I write this column, more than 3,000 Palestinians have been killed, about 1,000 of them children, and more than a million Gazans displaced as a result of Israel’s inhuman response to the attack carried out by Palestinian resistance fighters. Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on the Gazan border for a ground invasion that if effected would lead to a genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population. As we have seen in the past, the use of brutal force and senseless killing of the Palestinians would not bring peace but will only spawn the seeds of more unrest and violence in the Middle East. If the apartheid regime in Israel sows more violence, it will only reap more violence.
That being the case in the current scenario, mediation is the only way to avoid inflicting more suffering on the Palestinian population that has been under occupation for more than seven decades. The Israel-Palestine conflict, one of the longest-running struggles in the world, has caused immense suffering and instability in the Middle East for decades. It is a complex issue that can be solved only through diplomacy and recent events have underscored the urgent need for a just and sustainable resolution.
Amidst this backdrop, Qatar has emerged as a promising mediator in the quest for peace. Qatar's willingness to play a pivotal role in mediating the Israel-Palestine conflict has been evident in its diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian efforts. Qatar, with its considerable influence and resources, is well-positioned to facilitate negotiations and encourage dialogue between the conflicting parties. Qatar's diplomatic credentials are sound and proven as the Gulf country has garnered respect from opposing parties in the past, which is a critical foundation for successful mediation. The Afghan issue, which posed ‘unsurmountable’ challenges, was solved through dialogue facilitated and led by Qatar to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned.
In the Palestine-Israel case, Qatar's approach would focus on diplomacy and negotiations as the way forward, avoiding the catastrophic consequences of military action. The basis of the talks has to be the United Nations Resolution 242 of 1967, that calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories and Resolution 194 (III), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly , stipulating that “refugees wishing to return to their homes should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date".
The key lies in bringing both parties to the negotiation table and addressing their concerns through diplomatic channels.
This is the time for countries like the United States and international organisations to join hands with Qatar to pursue a just and lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel dispute, a solution that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Qatar can promote and facilitate the internationally recognised two-state solution, where both Israel and Palestine coexist side by side as independent states. Addressing sensitive issues like the status of Jerusalem and the rights of refugees is essential in reaching a comprehensive resolution. Doha can act as a neutral and trusted intermediary, offering a platform for these discussions and ensuring that they remain productive and focused on the ultimate goal: a just and lasting peace. Qatar can also help mediate security arrangements to ensure the safety and stability of both states. This includes measures to prevent violence and the building of mutual trust to foster cooperation rather than conflict.
Only a country like Qatar is well-positioned to mediate a solution to the deeply entrenched and multifaceted Israel-Palestine conflict. A ground invasion of the Gaza Strip would only lead to further devastation and loss of life, and it does not address the root causes of the conflict. For lasting peace in the Middle East, all parties must work together towards a solution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Palestinians who have been oppressed and under occupation for decades.
Instead of wreaking havoc and adding to the unspeakable sufferings of an oppressed people like the Palestinians, let the world utilise the mediating prowess of the Gulf nation that has helped bring peace to zones of conflict in Asia and Africa. Qatar's mediation efforts can play a crucial role in achieving this vision, offering hope for a more stable and prosperous future for the region.