G7’s peace gesture

G7 countries’ stress on Hamas accepting US-backed proposal is tantamount to Washington obtaining a consensual outcome

Some patchwork is evident in sewing a peace plan as the G7 states have put their weight behind a ceasefire in Gaza. US President Joseph Biden had called for a three-phase initiative to broker a thaw in the Mideast in order to bring Israel and Hamas on terms. The unconditional support from America’s western allies has broadened the mosaic of reconciliation, and for the first time has made it a possibility that normalcy will return and, at least, Gazans will be spared on non-stop bombardment and annihilation. The G7 countries’ special stress on Hamas to accept the US-backed proposal is tantamount to Washington dealing with the militia for a consensual outcome of the dispute at hand. This is a leap step, and Arab states can push the envelope by stepping in as honest mediators to ensure that it works out genuinely to the satisfaction of the aggrieved party, especially the war-weary Palestinians.

A glance at the proposed plan says that it calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages, increase in humanitarian assistance to devastated Gaza, and a long-term solution to the dispute at hand. But the G7 draft language goes on to spell out that “Israel’s security interests and Gazan civilian safety” should also be assured. Technically, there is no flaw in it but it could torpedo the momentum as Hamas might take it as a one-way traffic to protect Israeli interests. Recognising Hamas as a component in an enduring solution is a must, and also necessary to keep the militia away from war-mongering and adventurism as it exhibited on October 7, last year. Hamas has already hinted at taking the negotiated route, and this aspect must be borne in mind by the western powers for a formidable solution.

As reaffirmed by Italy, the G7 president at the moment, there is an indispensable need for a “credible pathway towards peace leading to a two state solution.” The sooner that momentum is put into action, the better. Delaying statehood is at the root-cause of revulsion. Let’s address that in totality in all sincerity.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2024.

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