For all intensive purposes, the Israeli - Palestine conflict, is at the heart of the current state of affairs in the Middle East. Throughout the period since Israel's emergence as a nation, the undercurrents of this conflict have played a serious role in both the foreign policy of many Arab states, as well as on the world stage. The United Nations views ongoing peace talks and security in the region as a priority.

 

At its core, The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an ongoing dispute between two peoples: Jewish Israelis and Arab Palestinians, both of whom claim the sovereignty over the whole or in a part of the Land of Israel/ Palestine . The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is part of the wider Arab-Israeli conflict though some could say that the Arab-Israeli conflict arises as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

The conflict can be traced to the late 19th century, when Zionist Jews expressed their desire to create a modern state in the ancient land of the Israelites, which they considered to be their rightful homeland. To further that objective, Zionists encouraged immigration to the land, as well as purchasing land that was then part of the Ottoman Empire.

 

Much of the current policy battle between Palestine and Israel stems from ideological differences personified in the political parties and factions that exist in positions of power, both in Israel and in Palestine . Numerous conferences and initiatives on behalf of both sides have both fostered and eroded the prospect of a peace and mutual recognition of legitimate sovereignty, but none have effectively led to a viable conclusion.

 

In 2006, Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian governing body, where it now remains the majority party. Its charter openly calls for the destruction of Israel, and seeks to create a Palestinian state encompassing all of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. This has greatly impeded any diplomatic progress, as Israel declines any contact with Hamas, as long as the latter calls for the destruction of Israel. Of particular concern to the Arab League is the economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

 

The Arab League should consider several important questions in preparing to discuss this topic, and take into account the history (especially in regards to recent years) of peace initiatives and power shifts. What is the stance of Arab states towards Israel's rejection of the elected Hamas majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council? What are the ties between Arab League states and Hamas? What role can Arab states play in arbitration and mediation of the situation in Palestine, especially with regard to the economic and humanitarian situation? What are the current initiatives, and what would be required of Arab states to insure maximum outcome?