The Israeli and Palestinian people have been victims of the politicizing of religion. This began over 120 years ago when secular Zionists pushed for the creation of a Jewish state. This has resulted in over a century of violence between the Palestinian and Jewish populations in Israel/Palestine. Furthermore, these governments lack a clear vision for the future and continue to play a significant role in shaping the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The creation of Israel resulted in expelling and flight of two thirds of the Palestinians from their homeland turning them into uprooted refugees. The further occupation of the remaining parts of Mandatory Palestine in June 1967, and the intensified colonizing settlements project in the occupied territories, led to escalating the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The failure of the moderate Palestinian national leadership to conclude the negotiations with the Israelis by ending the Israeli occupation and creating an independent Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel on the 4th of June 1967 lines led to the emergence of radical Islamist movements like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have politicized Islam in their pursuit of a Palestinian state. This is parallel to the growth of extreme Jewish parties in Israel like Itamar Ban-Gvir’s “Jewish Strength Party”, Betzalel Smotrich’s “Religious Zionist Party” and the increasingly right-wing ultra-Orthodox parties.

A Federal Government Could Have Prevented All the Current Loss of Lives

The best solution that could have been implemented in 1948 to prevent loss of lives and injuries would have been the establishment of a true democracy in Palestine that would have been inclusive of all religious groups. Given the current situation where Israel has a Jewish government and Hamas represents the dominant factor with Islamic principles, a federal government encompassing the entire population would be the most logical approach. A secular democracy could have prevented the expulsion of Palestinians, avoided the Nakba, and potentially averted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict altogether. Such a setup would allow Jews, Muslims, and Christians to coexist peacefully with mutual respect.

Had a common federal government been elected in Israel and Palestine a year ago, the relationship between Palestinians and Israelis would have been different. Both Palestinians and Israelis would have had parliamentary representation, including from Gaza and Southern Israel. Communication would have been based on respect, dignity, and shared interests, sending a message to the Israeli and Palestinian governments, including Hamas, that the people desire peace. Joint legislation, budgeting, and projects would have provided hope and dignity to the people of both nations.

While it may be challenging to dismantle the existing Israeli and Palestinian governments, including Hamas, I believe it is feasible to establish a common federal government based on a democratic constitution that ensures fairness and equality for both sides. A federal government that includes Palestinians and Israelis is the only viable solution that offers a vision for future relations and peace.