The Israeli-Palestinian issue has long been at the centre of tensions in the Middle East, yet it is essential to approach it today from a renewed perspective and one that recognises the real possibilities for coexistence and sustainable peace based on mutual recognition and human rights.
Any serious approach to this issue cannot be limited to addressing superficial symptoms or temporary gains; it must be grounded in justice, dignity, and security for both peoples. History has shown that continuing in a cycle of conflict and violence only generates further suffering and frustration, delaying the prospects of reaching a settlement that guarantees lasting security and peace.
The two-state solution proposing an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure and recognised Israel represents the most realistic framework to achieve this goal. A Palestinian state is not a political luxury but a humanitarian and political necessity to provide stability and security across the region. Within this context, coexistence between the two peoples is a shared responsibility, starting from the political leadership and extending to civil society, educational and cultural institutions, and media outlets, all of which can play a critical role in promoting values of mutual respect and tolerance.
Coexistence must become an everyday reality reflected in schools, universities, workplaces, and public life, allowing every individual to feel that their rights are protected and that the other does not pose a threat to their existence or dignity.
Condemning violence and rights violations is an indispensable cornerstone of this process. Peace cannot be achieved if one side continues to suffer persistent violations or threats to its basic rights. Accordingly, any action that seeks to erase or negate the other through policies of ethnic cleansing, discriminatory practices, or the promotion of hatred must be firmly condemned. The rejection of anti-Semitism must also be an integral part of this commitment, as sustainable peace cannot exist amidst a persistent discourse of hatred that fuels violence and discrimination.
Acknowledging past injustices and addressing their consequences with honesty and transparency is essential for creating an environment of trust between the two sides, including confronting extremist narratives that attempt to delegitimise the other’s existence. The regional context also plays a pivotal role, not only by supporting official agreements between governments but also through direct influence on the societies themselves.
Arab states, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, can act as mediators encouraging Israeli society to accept the establishment of a Palestinian state and Palestinian society to embrace peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect. This role extends beyond diplomatic statements to include educational, cultural, and media initiatives that foster dialogue between peoples and highlight the shared benefits of peace in security, economic growth, and everyday social life.
When Israeli citizens understand that an independent Palestinian state does not threaten their existence but rather secures their long-term safety, and when Palestinians see coexistence as safeguarding their rights and opportunities for growth, coexistence becomes a realistic and desirable choice.
The international community has a crucial role to play in creating a framework of balanced incentives and sanctions that enable both parties to coexist. Economic and developmental incentives, such as supporting joint projects, facilitating access to international financing, and promoting investment in Palestinian areas, can strengthen trust and encourage the commitment to peace.
Simultaneously, clearly defined sanctions including diplomatic and targeted economic pressures must be applied against any violations or acts of violence, sending a strong message that sustainable peace requires genuine commitment and shared responsibility. These incentives and sanctions must be explicit and time-bound so that both parties perceive their engagement with peace not as optional, but as a path aligned with their long-term interests.
On the political leadership front, exceptional courage is required to move away from a zero-sum logic and towards building a governance system based on justice and accountability. Both Palestinian and Israeli leaders must demonstrate responsibility, a genuine commitment to human rights, and open broad channels of dialogue with civil society and diverse sectors to cultivate a culture of coexistence. These efforts should be linked to clear oversight and accountability mechanisms to prevent a relapse into violence or violations, strengthening mutual confidence between the peoples.
Economically and socially, trust-building requires concrete programmes to improve living standards, provide educational and employment opportunities, and foster cultural and commercial exchange. In this context, reconstructing Gaza emerges as an urgent necessity, as restoring essential infrastructure and services alleviates daily suffering and nurtures a sense of hope and stability.
Equally, halting settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank is a practical condition for enabling a peaceful environment in which coexistence can thrive, preventing further conflicts on the ground that deepen Palestinian frustration and heighten Israeli insecurity.
These initiatives are not luxuries; they are investments in peace, as poverty, deprivation, and ongoing violence fuel hatred and extremism, while opportunities for participation and growth cultivate a sense of shared responsibility. Therefore, comprehensive development policies addressing urgent humanitarian needs must run in parallel with political and diplomatic efforts to establish long-term stability.
Coexistence within the framework of a two-state solution is not merely a governmental agreement but a long-term cultural and social project requiring intergenerational commitment. This project demands instilling values of tolerance and recognition of the other from an early age, alongside encouraging youth and community initiatives that connect Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of mutual respect and common interests.
For coexistence to be sustainable, it must be accompanied by a complete cessation of violence between the two sides, creating a genuine foundation of trust that transforms peace from an abstract concept into a lived reality. When children and young people witness successful models of cooperation within a safe and stable environment, peace becomes embedded in the collective identity of both peoples.
The path towards coexistence and peace is not easy, but it is achievable with genuine commitment from leadership, support from the international and regional communities, and active citizen engagement. Rejecting violence and hatred, acknowledging each side’s rights, adhering to the two-state solution as a practical framework, combined with reconstruction, halting settlement expansion, and ending violence constitutes the foundation for a secure and sustainable future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In this context, peace is not merely a political aspiration but a collective and ethical responsibility that must manifest in the daily lives of every citizen, making coexistence a stable reality characterised by respect, dignity, and justice, underpinned by positive incentives, dissuasive sanctions from the international community, and active contributions from the regional context.
The writer is a political scientist and former MP. He is currently director of the Middle East Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 November, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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