Panel discussion: There is ‘almost no hope’ of Israelis and Palestinians living in peace
Our panel is now discussing that interview with the Israeli ambassador, noting that despite a change of tone from the US, warning Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians, there does not appear to be a softening of the position.
Polly Mackenzie, former Liberal Democrat adviser, says it is “heart-breaking” to think about what is going on in the region and “some form of negotiated settlement is needed”.
“It feels like we are further away from that than at any point in my lifetime,” she says.
She describes the Israeli ambassador’s position as “unbending” and “quite rightly furious” about the “monstrosities” and gender-based violence perpetrated by Hamas.
But she adds: “Unless there is some willingness to compromise on both sides… it is, of course, almost impossible, probably impossible, to negotiate with Hamas. They are terrorists.”
The victims of this are the civilians on both sides, but there is “almost no hope” of peace.
Asked if the UK could be doing more to help, Iain Dale, journalist and broadcaster, says he’s “not sure what we as a country can do”.
He says the government has “adopted the right approach” and it was key to stand with Israel from the start.
“We can all quibble about some of the things that the Israeli government has done, not just over the last few weeks but over the last few years.”
He says it’s “not as simple” as just being pro-Israel or pro-Palestine, and adds that he sees “no alternative” to what Israel is doing now.
“There is no hope at the moment for any negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Not while Hamas are around certainly.”
He also says the idea of a two-state solution is “for the birds”, noting that neither Hamas nor Israel’s PM Netanyahu want peace.
Paul Mason, journalist and author, adds that in the second phase of this war, Israel cannot eliminate Hamas by accepting this level of civilian casualties, and nor can Israel’s allies be drawn into the “moral vacuum” of accepting such high numbers.
https://news.sky.com/story/politics-news-latest-labour-frontbencher-defends-starmer-praising-thatcher-israel-not-abandoning-hostages-says-ambassador-to-uk-12593360
