13 September 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Oslo Accords, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to bring an end to one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history. 30 years on, this objective has not been achieved and relations between the Israelis and Palestinians are rapidly deteriorating, while prospects of a peace agreement based on a two-state solution are as remote as ever.
Recent months and years have witnessed an escalation of violent clashes, an intensification of hostile rhetoric, expansion of Israeli settlements into the West Bank, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation across the Palestinian Territories. Moreover, both political systems have become more complex and volatile, and the young generation is increasingly distrustful and have lost hope that a political solution to the conflict is possible. Expectations that the international community will intervene to break the deadlock have faded too, as external actors have shown little interest to proactively mediate between the two sides. As a result of international apathy, all sides involved are resorting to conflict and crisis management, an approach that in the long term would only exacerbate the already dire situation.
At this webinar, organized by the Middle East and North Africa Programme, panellists will aim to identify short- and long-term courses of action that could help avert further escalation, build confidence between the two sides, and lead to a process of reconciliation and peace.
The event will be held on the record and will be livestreamed on the MENA Programme’s Facebook page.
