Future of Palestinian society is at a Crossroads

The ongoing occupation, the internal divisions, the lack of a clear political vision and the challenges posed by the regional and global context have created a sense of frustration, despair and hopelessness among many Palestinians. Yet, there are also signs of resilience, creativity and determination to overcome the obstacles and achieve the long-awaited goal of self-determination and statehood.

I will explore some of the key issues that shape the future of Palestinian society, leadership and aspirations for statehood. I will also offer some suggestions on how to address these issues and move forward in a constructive and realistic way.

The first issue is the question of national unity and reconciliation. The split between Fatah and Hamas, which has lasted for more than a decade, has weakened the Palestinian national movement and undermined its legitimacy and credibility.

The repeated attempts to reach a reconciliation agreement have failed due to mutual mistrust, external interference and conflicting interests. The recent postponement of the Palestinian elections, which were supposed to be a step towards ending the division, has further deepened the crisis and increased the public discontent.

The second issue is the question of political representation and participation. The Palestinian Authority (PA), which was established as a result of the Oslo Accords in 1993, has become increasingly authoritarian, corrupt and dysfunctional.

The PA has lost its popular support and legitimacy, as it has failed to deliver on its promises of state-building, economic development and human rights. The PA has also become dependent on foreign aid and security coordination with Israel, which have limited its sovereignty and ability to challenge the occupation.

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), which is supposed to be the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, has become marginalized and irrelevant, as it has not been reformed or revitalized since its inception in 1964.

The third issue is the question of political strategy and vision. The Palestinian leadership has not been able to articulate a clear and coherent political strategy and vision that can mobilize the Palestinian people and gain the support of the international community.

The two-state solution, which has been the official goal of the Palestinian leadership since 1988, has become unrealistic and unfeasible, as Israel has continued to expand its settlements, annex its territory and deny the rights of the Palestinians. The alternative visions, such as the one-state solution, the bi-national state or the confederation, have not been sufficiently developed or debated among the Palestinians or with their counterparts.

The fourth issue is the question of social cohesion and development. Palestinian society is facing multiple social challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, illiteracy, violence, drug abuse and gender discrimination. These challenges are exacerbated by the occupation, which restricts the movement, access and resources of the Palestinians.

The occupation also deprives them of their dignity, identity and sense of belonging. The Palestinian civil society, which has played a vital role in resisting the occupation and promoting social change, has also suffered from repression, fragmentation and co-optation by the PA or external actors.

The fifth issue is the question of regional and global dynamics. The Palestinian cause has lost its centrality and priority in the Arab world, as many Arab states have normalized their relations with Israel or pursued their own interests at the expense of the Palestinians.

The Arab Spring, which initially raised hopes for democratic change and solidarity among the Arab peoples, has turned into a nightmare of chaos, violence and sectarianism. The Islamic movements, which have been allies of Hamas and supporters of the Palestinian resistance, have also faced setbacks and challenges in their own countries.

The international community, especially the United States and Europe, has not exerted enough pressure on Israel to end its occupation or respect its obligations under international law. The international community has also not provided enough support to the Palestinians to achieve their rights or meet their needs.

These are some of the major issues that affect the future of Palestinian society, leadership and aspirations for statehood. They are complex and interrelated issues that require serious analysis, dialogue and action from all stakeholders. They also require a new approach that is based on realism, pragmatism and creativity.

Here are some possible steps that can be taken to address these issues:

• To develop a political strategy and vision, there is a need for a national conference that can review the past experiences, assess the current realities and explore the future options of the Palestinian struggle. This conference should involve all segments of Palestinian society, as well as experts, academics and activists from inside and outside Palestine. It should also engage with the Israeli and international actors who are willing to support a just and lasting solution to the conflict.

• To promote social cohesion and development, there is a need for a national plan that can address the social challenges and needs of the Palestinian people. This plan should prioritize the sectors of education, health, economy, culture and environment. It should also empower the civil society organizations and initiatives that work in these fields and support their coordination and cooperation.

• To cope with the regional and global dynamics, there is a need for a proactive diplomacy that can strengthen the relations with the Arab and Islamic countries, as well as with the emerging powers and actors in the world. This diplomacy should seek to mobilize political, financial and moral support for the Palestinian cause and to expose and counter the Israeli violations and propaganda.

These are some of the possible steps that can be taken to shape the future of Palestinian society, leadership and aspirations for statehood. They are not easy or simple steps, but they are necessary and feasible steps. They require courage, wisdom and commitment from all parties involved. They also require a sense of hope, optimism and vision that can inspire and motivate the Palestinian people to continue their struggle for freedom, justice and peace.