Advancing Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Advising international and local actors on ways to advance the peace process - As stagnation in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process continues, and renewed negotiations are not in sight, international and local actors are seeking ideas on how to work towards a renewed peace process and/or undertake positive diplomatic steps on the ground that preserve the viability of a future peace deal. Mitvim engaged with multiple embassies and officials as well as with local and international think tanks and NGOs, providing analysis and ideas on possible steps that can help advance peace. Analyzing Palestinian politics and their impact on chances for peace - Mitvim Policy Fellow Dr. Ido Zelkovitz led research on changes in the Palestinian political system and how they impact Israeli-Palestinian relations and prospects for peace. His focus was on issues related to Fatah-Hamas relations, the situation in Gaza, the tensions between the Palestinian Authority and the Trump administration, and prospects for new Palestinian leadership. Dr. Zelkovitz published commentaries, gave briefings in the Knesset, and conducted multiple media interviews. During this report’s period, Mitvim also hosted a Palestinian visiting fellow, who produced reports on Palestinian perspectives on the above-mentioned issues. Identifying regional opportunities to improve the situation in Gaza - The Gaza Strip is facing a deep humanitarian and economic crisis. During this report’s period, this crisis led to escalation and violent clashes along the Israel-Gaza perimeter fence. Israel and Hamas were on the verge of another cycle of warfare, which was eventually prevented due to international mediation efforts led by the UN and Egypt. Attempts to improve living conditions in Gaza and restore the Palestinian Authority’s governance in Gaza continue, however the threat of escalation is resurfacing. In light of this, Mitvim and IPCRI convened a unique policy workshop that explored the role that various regional actors – from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Europe – can play to improve the situation in Gaza. The workshop brought together more than fifty participants – including Israelis, Palestinians (including from Gaza), diplomats and international experts – to assess the current situation and formulate policy recommendations on how to improve the situation in Gaza without jeopardizing chances for a broader Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. UN Special Coordinator to the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov delivered an opening address at the event.