Western leaders back a two-state solution, but do Palestinians even want one? - opinion

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, a Jew, has remained steadfast in his commitment to the two-state solution, despite the vocal opposition from many British citizens who chant "From the river to the sea," demanding the entire territory of Israel for a Palestinian state. This sentiment is not limited to protesters, but is also the ultimate goal of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

The primary obstacle to this solution appears to be the educational system of the Palestinian Authority, which instills young Palestinians with a belief that Israel is occupying Arab land and that they must be eradicated.

Despite these deeply held beliefs, Miliband has pledged that "when it comes to the attempt to destroy the two-state solution, this party, this movement, this government says, 'we will not let you succeed.'" The similarity in viewpoints between Miliband and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with numerous other world leaders, including France, Canada, and Australia, creates a paradox: a global consensus on the two-state solution, yet those who would implement it are focused on the entirety of the territory, not just a portion of it.

The question remains: how can there be any progress toward peace while two sides are entrenched in their positions, viewing the other's proposal as the only acceptable one? This deadlock is exacerbated by the fact that many Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt, support a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

Ultimately, the persistent attempts to find a resolution are seen as futile, as the sides are too deeply entrenched in their beliefs. The only conclusion is that the issue is unsolvable, too complex and emotionally charged, and that those in power continue to pursue a losing proposition, driven by the desire to appear virtuous and moral.