Well Said Secretary Clinton, But..

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s first visit to the Middle East has evoked varied reactions across the region, from hope to resignation to the usual lack of optimism on US policy towards Israel. Even though Clinton’s reiteration of the “unshakeable” US support to Israel resounded clearly across the Middle East, there was a parallel narrative that underscores US desire for a two-state solution to Palestine-Israel issue.

On an optimistic note for the Palestinians, Clinton after her meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas has criticised the planned Israeli demolitions of about 80 houses of Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Terming the move as ‘unhelpful’ and one that was of “deep concern,” she intended to take up the issue with the Israeli government. The demolition of the Palestinians houses that Israel claims were illegally built has been a contentious issue, since the Palestinian claim that this is part of Israeli government plans to push them out of East Jerusalem that was captured in 1967 war. Clinton’s stand is bound to create a stir in the Israeli government, further more when the Likud forms the new government under Benjamin Netanyahu in the coming weeks.

While Clinton has expressed her commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian settlement, saying it was a “commitment I carry in my heart, not just my portfolio,” she has been careful to distance Hamas from the peace process. The US, she said would only support the Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate government of the Palestinian people. However, the general consensus in the region is that the US despite its concerns about Hamas needs to adopt a more realistic approach and take on board all factions that represent the Palestinian people.

It is likely that Netanyahu’s government will not budge from its earlier stance opposing a Palestinian state. As Israel continues to build settlements with nearly half a million settlers now occupying West Bank and East Jerusalem, things are pretty bleak. Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority while reiterating commitment to a two state solution also oppose expansion of Israeli settlements and demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. It is time they overcame their differences and worked together to bring an end to the suffering of their people. The US should, if it’s genuinely interested in finding a solution, encourage the Palestinian parties to join hands and persuade Israel to adopt a more reasonable and approach towards solving the issues at hand.