Abstract:
Amidst a bloody war and the tragic course of events since October 7th, Israelis and Palestinians require a profound process of introspection, asking difficult questions about the possibility of building an alternative future at a time when prospects for progress appear far from reach. This article offers a historical conceptualization of two societies who have reached a critical juncture while offering a framework for a way forward that seeks to break the current impasse. The piece concludes with a focus on the future of Gaza as it delineates a possible route of progress in the century-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The vision suggested is one of integration within the pragmatic camp of the region, which offers economic connectivity, a revitalized identity, and a path towards a new political horizon. While it’s difficult to see a light at the end of this tunnel, the authors believe that this tragic moment offers a rare opportunity for progress for the Palestinians, as well for the prospects of regional cooperation and normalization.
*This article is part of Regional Cooperation in the Midst of Regional Conflagration: Examining the Partnership Agenda in the Shadow of October 7th.
**This is a short version of the article. For a full version of this article that includes full text and source citations, please see the original publication file.