lOn October 7, 2023, a dramatic new chapter opened in the history of violent clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, triggering the most devastating war in the history of these two peoples. Today, a year after that tragic day, thousands, too many, have died on both sides.
The Gaza Strip was destroyed and most of its inhabitants became refugees again. There are currently almost 2 million Gazans homeless [selon l’ONU]. More than 200,000 Israelis [selon les autorités de Tel-Aviv] They are also internal refugees, forced to leave their destroyed, burned or vulnerable homes.
We did not know each other before, when we both held official positions serving our respective peoples. Our professional paths, until now, had not crossed. We both set out to find a partner on the other side, with mutual respect, with the goal of ending the war in Gaza, resuming negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and reaching an agreement to end this violent conflict between our two towns.
Determine the best strategic path.
We know that this will lead to the creation of a front of moderate states in the region, including Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries, along with the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, making our region more stable, safer and more prosperous. for everyone. its inhabitants.
In our societies, in Israel and Palestine, it is unfortunately very common to ostracize and disqualify any politician who deviates from the comfortable consensus, through ridicule and extreme criticism. In times of war, consensus gathers around the flag, and any deviation from absolute support for the war effort is considered treason.
Of course, pushing for a radical change of course is considered a capitulation, a victory for the other side. But the true test of leadership is not following public opinion, nor guiding its words with polls, but determining the best strategic path for the nation’s future and presenting it boldly and without fear.
We, two former leaders who have faithfully served our people for decades, have united around a common vision and a proposal that challenges our tragic reality and has the potential to change our nations, our region and even the world.
You have 54.61% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
