Peace Process

Plenty of good actors remain on both sides of the Green Line, and by partnering with them, Washington can build on what has worked since Oslo and discard what has failed.

The much-maligned peace process has been a great success from America’s perspective, and if we hold fast to its founding principles, its best days are yet to come.

Despite the attendant risks and public outcry, Washington’s decision to halt all aid to the agency could spur some reform without drastically affecting its core humanitarian services.

Washington's frustration regarding UNRWA reform and budgetary issues is understandable, but cutting off aid indefinitely will only destabilize Gaza and Jordan.

Ending the cycle of violence will require not only tactical, strategic, and economic solutions, but also a host of ‘middle layer’ steps, from reducing military friction and establishing reliable channels of communication between the sides, to controlling the actions of other Gaza militant groups.

Since the end of March 2018, the Gaza-Israel border has witnessed repeated violent eruptions initiated by Hamas, including challenging the border and causing massive fires in Israel. With ongoing friction for months and scores of Palestinian fatalities, clashes have grown progressively more violent, risking deterioration into yet another Israel-Hamas war

Using the money cut from UNRWA to restore electricity, water, and sewage treatment in Gaza could help prevent another conflict and reopen peace diplomacy.

While the U.S. administration talks about a peace plan, the recent disruptions have deepened skepticism about its prospects for success.

It is time to create a stark public choice for Hamas: stop escalating tensions, and important rebuilding work will begin.