Overview

The long-lasting Israeli-Palestinian conflict has dramatically escalated since October 7th, 2023. The Hamas massacre and the Israeli retaliation have become part of the ongoing saga of victimhood and are threatening to bring Israelis and Palestinians back to square one, even before Madrid and Oslo. The world is now divided between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian camps, instead of doing the utmost to bring Israel and the PLO back to the negotiating table. It is difficult to observe, on either side, any initiatives that offer a diplomatic and peaceful alternative to the conflict. Previous such initiatives have been rejected and discredited by hardliners on both sides, while new ones are blocked, as the initiators often face harsh personal risks. Israel and Palestine consequently find themselves in a situation where there is an absence of diplomatic alternatives, open dialogue, or free public debate on their most important political issue, one that could lead to an even more dangerous situation with high and far-reaching risks for both societies.

Looking back at the history of peace efforts around the world, it becomes clear that especially in moments of fragmentation and violence, it is utterly vital to present diplomatic, peaceful alternatives to the continuation and escalation of conflict. Even if, at first glance, the chances of success for such alternatives appear small, they must publicly exist and be strengthened. It is a principle that Israelis and Palestinians must always know and be certain of: that there are, at all times, countries, institutions, and individuals who understand the suffering of both sides and are actively campaigning for and offering peaceful alternatives to the conflict.

There is broad understanding and belief that this conflict, like many other serious conflicts around the world, and as has happened many times throughout the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will ultimately end in some form of agreement that brings remedy and calm. For this reason, it is wise to start as early as possible to present alternatives that can influence such an agreement, with the hope that one day soon it will be possible to adopt a peaceful resolution. The ultimate goal, therefore, is to enable such alternatives for the sake of all Israeli and Palestinian people, including those who currently oppose them.

Now is the time to identify and engage with effective models that can halt the deterioration of the conflict and promote its peaceful de-escalation. The international community must actively support such initiatives that reduce tensions and present viable solutions, in order to prevent further tragedy. In this spirit, the Berlin Initiative will convene politicians, diplomats, academics, and other key stakeholders from the PLO (Palestine), Israel, the United States, Europe, Arab countries, and beyond. Together, they will work to generate fresh insights and build new alliances dedicated to advancing the de-escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.