Russian Federation Emily Williams 3/3/14 Even though Russia and Israel are strong trade partners, Russia

sia believes in a two state solution supporting both sides, not allowing the right of return, removing illegal settlements and opening the holy places to both Israel and Palestine. The Israeli Palestine conflict first began when thousands of Jews were made refugees after the Holocaust and sought to find a new home in their holy land of Israel. The only problem with this was that there were already people there, the Palestinians. The Palestinians were not very happy about these new comers and strongly fought to not allow these foreigners to enter Palestine. The UN issued a plan to have both a Jewish and an Arab state in Palestine in order to accommodate the refugees and still have a home for the Palestinians. The Palestinians fought this agreement as well and thus started the Israel/Palestine war. They are currently in a cease fire and Israel is in control of almost the entire country. Millions of Palestinians are refugees in the surrounding countries or are living in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, the two parts of Israel still in Palestinian control. The article The story of Rafat explains how both Israeli and Palestinian people live in fear of one another and there are reports of violence daily coming from both sides. (Occupied Palestine) The Israel Palestine conflict has been going on for over 50 years and is long overdue for a lasting solution. Russia believes that the only way to solve this problem is a two state solution going back to something similar the the 1967 borders. Israelis have been for a two state solution since the idea was first brought up and most still support the idea, as Russian Dr. Vitaly Naumkin states in an interview, Most Israelis already support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and a two state

solution. (Conflict) Although a two state solution has been attempted in the past and turned down by Palestinians. Russia believes Palestine will now agree to this form of solution because of the many Palestinian refugees and their dire need for support and a home. Russias proposal of a two state solution will include not allowing the right of return, removing illegal settlements, and opening the holy places in both states to Israeli and Palestinian people. Although borders will be secure, Palestinians will be allowed to travel through Israel and vise versa. Jerusalem will be a neutral zone strongly monitored by the UN. Peace talks will be held there between Palestinian and Israeli officials. Amendments 7 and 8 from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 (III) 11 December 1948 will be included in this solution addressing opening the holy sites. This resolution will also include reuniting the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as stated by Dr. Naumkin, Besides, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are apart, with one territory being governed by Abbas and the other by Hamas, an absolutely different group. he then goes on to suggest, Two territories under control of a single authority acceptable for Israel as a negotiating partner. (Conflict) Israeli people will be asked to move out of illegal settlements and outside of the 1967 borders. If they do not comply military force will be used, by the UN peace keepers. Palestinians refugees will not be given the right to return to their previous homes but they will be either integrated into the country they are currently refugees in or move into the Palestinian state. If relations go well between the Palestinians and Israelis borders would, in due time, become less monitored and eventually people will be able to live in either state no matter what religion. This idea is further explained in a New York Times Article (Doc 9). This solution from Russias point of view is the most beneficial to both sides and has the most room for growth, compromise, and potential peace.

Work Cited

"RIAC :: Palestine Today and Tomorrow: Russia's Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." RIAC :: Palestine Today and Tomorrow: Russia's Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. N.p., n.d.Web. 03 Mar. 2014.

"The History of the Middle East Conflict in 11 Minutes." YouTube. YouTube, 01 Oct. 2011. Web.04 Mar. 2014.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 (III) 11 December 1948 03 Mar. 2014.

New York Times Article by: Muammar Qaddafi 13 Mar. 2014