Pressure is building for recognition of a Palestinian state

[moniss]

5. I'm thinking that some of the

countries considering recognition now are thinking strategically about how to make an "international" presence easier to happen as a counter to those you mention. Right now the situation in the West Bank needs a major reboot because it is not sustainable like this for much longer with the groups you mentioned seeming to exert an increasing influence. A couple of months ago I pointed out that the UN strategy for maintaining force "zones" in the Sinai has for the most part worked well. Maybe the "international" presence could occur concurrently with statehood recognition based on the 1967 borders. I would note that the PA has said that they are willing to negotiate regarding borders but only after the international community, meaning the UN, adheres to their already adopted resolutions regarding borders. They have said this in the context of resolving the other issues like compensation, right of return, natural resources etc.

But obviously all of this needs to happen when the voice of the Palestinians themselves is freely heard regarding leadership. Once they express it, but only if judged to have been freely expressed, then the world should accept that leadership as speaking for the Palestinians even if we in the West etc. may not agree with all positions taken by that leadership. We of course would not accept a continuation of violence but as far as a border line being moved here or there or an exchange of resources for other items like compensation or right of return then we should respect that expression and not "take sides".