First, the Palestinians sowed the seeds for the present situation by rejecting a state for themselves when it was offered at the time when Israel was established 75 years ago. If they had accepted the offer, they could have negotiated and established clear cut boundaries for themselves. Within those boundaries, they could have established their own nation, recognized by the world, governed by themselves.
Instead, egged on by neighboring countries, the Palestinians rejected a nation for themselves and vowed to destroy Israel. They engaged in wars and terrorist attacks toward that end.
There have always been Jews in Palestine, even after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Their numbers increased during the Middle Ages when they fled pogroms in Europe and when they were exiled by countries like England and Spain. Their numbers grew exponentially during and after the Holocaust in Europe. So there was no reason to deny them a nation of their own in the region.
Next, Israel now refuses to support a 2 state solution. They do not negotiate in good faith for it. That attitude started years ago when they allowed and encouraged Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory that Israel occupied after winning wars against them. Israel has taken the attitude that, since they won those wars, the land now belongs to them. The consequence is that Palestinians are driven from land that, by international law, belongs to them. Israel made no attempt to return their land to them and does everything to prevent it. They are increasing the anger and desperation of Palestinians. There are many in Israel who wish to reclaim all of the land that once was the ancient kingdom of Israel, as if the last 2500 years never happened.
But those centuries did happen. If the rest of the world lived by Israel's view, then all but Native Americans would need to leave the Americas. Anglo-Saxons in England would have to return to Germany, etc. So, Israel needs to accept the reality that you can't go back in a time machine.
The Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory need to go. If the settlers insist on staying, they must accept a Palestinian rule in that land because it belongs to Palestinians.
Regarding the Palestinian claim of a right to return to live inside the borders of Israel, that is absurd. Given the very public hostility of Palestinians to Israel, and their willingness to wage guerrilla war and terrorism on Israel, it would be suicidal for Israel to take them in.
So, Israel, give the Palestinian land back to Palestinians. It is not yours to keep as spoils of war. Move into the 21st century.
To Palestinians, focus on creating your own governing structure without terrorist leadership like Hamas. Israel exists. Get over it and get with the 21st century. Take your issues to the UN instead of initiating terrorist attacks that only make your situation worse. You will get more backing and sympathy there for your cause if you give up terrorism. Nobody likes to support terrorists.
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