In a recent op-ed for the Financial Times, Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, has proposed a bold plan for addressing the ongoing Gaza crisis. Her call for a temporary international mission is a significant moment in the quest for a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In this post, I’ll break down her proposal, its implications, and why it matters for the future of the region.
Why a Temporary International Mission for Gaza?
Lana Nusseibeh’s vision for Gaza centres around the idea that a temporary international mission could be the key to breaking the cycle of violence and building a foundation for long-term peace.
- What is the Mission’s Goal?
- Humanitarian Aid: Provide immediate relief for the people of Gaza.
- Establish Law and Order: Help create a stable environment for governance.
- Foundation for a Palestinian State: Work towards the reunification of Gaza with the West Bank under a legitimate Palestinian Authority.
- Monitor the Ceasefire: Implement a robust system to ensure the ceasefire terms are respected.
Pro Tip: Lana Nusseibeh’s proposal emphasises that this mission is not about returning to the status quo but about creating a path to lasting peace.
Read more about international interventions in Gaza
1. A Call for Change: Moving Beyond the Status Quo
Nusseibeh argues that the international community must not simply restore the situation to what it was before October 7. Instead, the focus must be on fundamentally altering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- What Needs to Change?
- Ending the Cycle of Violence: Move from temporary ceasefires to long-term solutions.
- Path to Palestinian Statehood: Engage in meaningful negotiations for a two-state solution.
Pro Tip: The goal is a new framework for peace, not just a return to old patterns of conflict.
Explore strategies for a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace
2. The Four Key Priorities of the International Mission
According to Nusseibeh, any temporary international mission must focus on four main priorities to be effective:
- Humanitarian Relief: Address the immediate needs of Gaza’s population.
- Law and Order: Establish a framework for governance and stability.
- Reunification Efforts: Work towards bringing Gaza and the West Bank under a single Palestinian Authority.
- Ceasefire Enforcement: Create a rigorous system to monitor and uphold the ceasefire.
Pro Tip: These priorities aim to create a stable environment that supports both immediate needs and long-term peace efforts.
Learn more about international missions in conflict zones
3. Why Israel’s Role is Crucial for Gaza’s Recovery
Lana Nusseibeh stresses that Israel must contribute to Gaza’s recovery. The current blockade and ongoing conflict have made rehabilitation efforts nearly impossible.
- Key Points:
- Rebuilding Gaza: Requires both international support and contributions from Israel.
- Palestinian Authority’s Role: Must assume its responsibilities for effective recovery.
Pro Tip: A successful mission depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Read more about the impact of the Gaza blockade
4. Collaboration with the UN: Not a Replacement but an Enhancement
Nusseibeh proposes that the temporary international mission should collaborate with the UN, not replace its efforts. This collaboration would amplify the UN’s resources and extend its mandate.
- How Will It Work?
- Complement Existing Efforts: Support and extend the work of UN agencies.
- Rigorous Monitoring: Implement systems to enforce the ceasefire and ensure aid reaches those in need.
Pro Tip: Effective collaboration with the UN can maximise resources and impact.
Explore the role of the UN in conflict resolution
5. The Path Forward: What’s Next for Gaza?
Nusseibeh acknowledges that advancing these ideas will be challenging but remains optimistic about the potential for peace.
- Challenges Ahead:
- Securing Support: Gaining backing from international stakeholders.
- Implementation: Effective execution of the mission’s objectives.
Pro Tip: Optimism and realism go hand in hand in the pursuit of peace.
Get insights into the future of Gaza
Conclusion: A Vision for Gaza’s Future
Lana Nusseibeh’s call for a temporary international mission represents a thoughtful approach to resolving the Gaza crisis. By focusing on humanitarian relief, law and order, reunification efforts, and ceasefire enforcement, this mission aims to pave the way for a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
If you’re interested in international diplomacy and conflict resolution, Nusseibeh’s proposal offers a concrete plan for moving beyond the status quo and working towards a meaningful resolution of the Gaza crisis.
