Can we solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by improving and upgrading a consensus on what Terrorism is: Can a Universal definition of Terrorism aid in countering it and stop the tit-for-tat tactics of aggressive nations? Can a universal definition of terrorism aid with the development of a Two-State solution for Palestine and Israel?

I want to discuss one of the main problems the world is facing and that is terrorism. Not just from non-state actors, but also from States that use terrorism as a diplomatic cover for oppression. My problem is that there are too many definitions, each nation classes different acts as terrorism, what one nation or agency sees as a terrorist act, another will see as a fight for freedom, liberty, equality and human rights.

Can we stop the double standards that “certain nations” are using as diplomatic cover by making sure a universal definition is followed?

The old saying ‘one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’ (Boaz 2005) has been used for decades and only since the events of September 11th 2001 have academics been studying and publishing works. If every nation is held to the same standard of definitions then there can be no question on what steps to take to combat terroristic activity.

Countering terrorism effectively requires a multi-faceted approach due to the complexity and variability of terrorism’s definitions and manifestations. Here’s how a comprehensive strategy can address the diverse aspects of terrorism:

Understand and Define Terrorism:

• Consensus Building: While definitions of terrorism can vary, governments, organisations, and communities must agree on a working definition that suits their specific context. This helps in creating cohesive strategies and legal frameworks.
• Contextual Adaptation: Recognize that terrorism can manifest differently in various regions and contexts, which necessitates adaptable and localized strategies. Understanding cultural and ethnic backgrounds when applying standards.

Intelligence and Information Sharing:

• Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Invest in gathering and analysing intelligence to understand the motives, tactics, and networks of terrorist groups or States. This includes both human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT). Do not rely on one nation to police or investigate their own crimes when it comes to offensive or defensive strategies. If there is a universal definition of terrorism, then all intelligence agencies globally would be on the same page.

Coordination: Foster cooperation between national and international intelligence agencies to share information and prevent cross-border terrorism. This includes the terrorist acts being conducted in the Palestinian territories West Bank and Gaza. MOSSAD and SHINBET should be cooperating with the Palestinian Authority, not hindering and sabotaging the process.

Preventive Measures:

• Counter-Radicalisation: Develop programs to prevent radicalisation by addressing the underlying causes, such as social inequality, political grievances, and ideological extremism. Engage communities and leaders to counter extremist narratives. This includes Israeli illegal settlers and terrorism violence. There should be less segregation and more inclusion with the youth of both Palestine and Israel, this could include schooling, childcare and youth deradicalisation groups  for teens.
• Education and Awareness: Promote education and public awareness campaigns to build resilience against extremist ideologies and encourage reporting of suspicious activities. Perhaps we can achieve awareness by conducting global programs for young people to tackle terrorism, gather youth from the world and have cultural camps and open discussions where different cultures are celebrated instead of segregated and demonised.

Security and Law Enforcement:

• Strengthen Security Measures: Enhance security at critical infrastructure, public spaces, and transportation systems to prevent attacks. This includes physical security measures as well as cyber security to protect against digital threats. At the moment the only nation that has protection and security is Israel, Palestine has no real security measures that aid in the protection of Palestinian citizens. We must do more to protect Palestinian citizens on an equal footing to Israeli citizens, Palestine must have their own intelligence agency that can and will work with global partners.
• Law Enforcement Training: Equip law enforcement agencies with the skills and resources needed to handle terrorism-related threats and investigations. This includes specialised training for counter-terrorism units. Again While Israel has MOSSAD/SHINBET, America has CIA/FBI and Australia has ASIO/ASIS, it is important for the state of Palestine to also have a national and international intelligence agency, therefore cooperation can be transparent globally.

Legal and Policy Frameworks:

• Develop Comprehensive Laws: Enact and enforce laws that specifically address terrorism while balancing security needs with human rights. Ensure legal frameworks allow for the effective prosecution of terrorists and their supporters, This includes States that support and commit acts of terrorism in the name of self-defence, hold all accountable for violations of human rights and dignity or equality.
• International Cooperation: Participate in international treaties and conventions aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing global cooperation.

Community Engagement:

• Build Partnerships: Collaborate with local communities, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to build trust and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Local engagement can help in identifying and addressing radicalisation at its roots.
• Support Victims: Provide support and rehabilitation services to victims of terrorism and their families, including psychological counselling and financial assistance.

Addressing Root Causes:

• Conflict Resolution: Address underlying conflicts and grievances that may contribute to terrorism, such as political repression, ethnic tensions, and economic deprivation. Promote peace-building and conflict resolution efforts. (Including those who are occupied or threatened by colonisation)
• Economic Development: Invest in economic development programs to reduce poverty and provide opportunities, which can help diminish the appeal of extremist groups. As Israel is the occupying nation, it is responsible for maintaining peace, equality and opportunities for the people they are ruling or governing over.

Adapt and Evolve:

• Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess and update counter-terrorism strategies based on emerging threats, technological advancements, and lessons learnt from past incidents.
• Innovation: Embrace new technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of evolving terrorist tactics. This includes advancements in surveillance, data analytics, and counter-radicalisation techniques.

Will a universal definition of terrorism complement and assist with the success of a two-state solution in the Palestine-Israel conflict?

The two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, has been a central proposal for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its feasibility and potential for success involve several factors:

Advantages of the Two-State Solution:

• International Support: The two-state solution has widespread international backing, including support from the United Nations, the European Union, and many countries. It aligns with various United Nations resolutions and has been the basis for many peace negotiations.
• Preservation of National Identity: It allows for the establishment of a Palestinian state, which addresses the aspiration for self-determination and national identity for Palestinians while maintaining Israel’s identity as a Jewish state.
• Potential for Peace: In theory, a two-state solution could address many core issues, such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of refugees, potentially leading to a lasting peace.

Challenges and Obstacles:

• Settlements and Borders: The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a significant obstacle. Defining borders that satisfy both sides and address settlement concerns remains a contentious issue. One of the main reasons for uprisings and conflict in the West Bank are due to Israels continuous support for encouraging settlers to trespass and take Palestinian lands and homes, by using their own IDF to support illegal immigration.
• Jerusalem: The status of Jerusalem is one of the most difficult issues. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, and finding a mutually acceptable arrangement for the city is challenging. However, another aspect that is normally overlooked is the site is also a holy place for Christians of both ethnicities. A need for mutual respect and values from all religions is a must, while Islam, Christianity and Judaism all believe in monotheism (one God) their ultimate goal is the same and the God is the same, it is Allah to one Yahweh to another, and God to another.
• Security Concerns: Security concerns on both sides complicate the implementation of a two-state solution. Ensuring security and preventing violence are critical issues that need to be addressed. The government of Israel as the occupier needs to treat all inhabitants equally without discrimination and segregation.
• Political Divisions: Internal political divisions among Palestinians, particularly between the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, complicate efforts to negotiate and implement a two-state solution. Netanyahu’s constant rhetoric of wiping Gaza and the West bank off the map and his manipulation when it comes to any agreement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel due to his own political survival will continue to be the main obstacle to peace until he is out of office.
• Mutual Trust: There is a significant lack of trust between the two sides, which hampers negotiations and the implementation of any agreements reached. Like the story of Romeo and Juliet, two households divided the only end will be tragic for both sides, unless there can be compromises from both parties in equal measure.
• Refugee Issue: The right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants is another complex issue. Addressing this in a way that satisfies both sides remains a significant challenge.

Potential Pathways Forward:

• Negotiation and Diplomacy: Renewed negotiations with strong international mediation could help address outstanding issues and build mutual trust. Both sides would need to make significant compromises.
• International Support: Continued international support and pressure may encourage both sides to engage more seriously in negotiations and adhere to agreements. However, until Israel is held accountable for their own violations and terrorist activity on the international stage, mostly held accountable by the US, it will continue its onslaught and a two-state solution will be ever elusive.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Implementing confidence-building measures on the ground, such as reducing settlement expansion and easing restrictions, could help build trust and create a more conducive environment for negotiations. Holding illegal Israeli settlers accountable is the first step towards confidence building, but it is the responsibility of Israel to punish and imprison illegal settlers and protect Palestinian citizens.
• Grassroots Initiatives: Local and grassroots initiatives that promote coexistence and collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians can help build understanding and support for peace. The time is now, with this latest conflict that has lasted nearly a year, we can see that the world is speaking out especially Israeli citizens, this is the time to create change and promote coexistence

Conclusion:

While the two-state solution remains a viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its success depends on addressing the many complex and interrelated issues that have plagued past negotiations. Achieving a lasting peace will require significant political will, mutual concessions, and a supportive international environment. The path to a two-state solution is challenging but remains a potential pathway to resolving the conflict. The first step towards achieving a peaceful Middle East is having a universal definition of terrorism, that all states and non-state actors are held accountable to. From my point of view, the main underlying definition of terrorism should cover:

When a state or non-state actor, group, organisation or political movement or individual uses terror, torture, threats of/and abuse including sexual violence to intimidate, kill, maim or seriously injure another human being because they either are of a different faith, culture or race or are discriminated against and threatened with death or violence because of their gender, sexuality, economical, educational or developmental background, whether impoverished or wealthy. Until we Mycome up with a universal definition of terrorism and just what it actually is on a global scale, where ALL human beings and states are held accountable under the same standards, a two-state solution will never be a possibility. A state, a group, an organisation and an individual can all be terrorist actors, there is no ideal identity although the majority of those who are labelled terrorists are either Arabs, Muslims, ethnic minorities or those who challenge Western ideals and democracy. Until this above view changes and ALL are held accountable regardless of Skin colour, race, religion, political view, global economic position, it is a lose-lose outcome for humanity and global peace.