American Shifts Toward Palestine

Al-Ahram, Egypt, March 29

The impact of recent events on America’s stance regarding the Palestinian issue cannot be underestimated, particularly following the Israeli war on Gaza. The shift in America’s stance is evident, with even key figures within the government expressing criticism toward Israel. This change is not limited to public opinion but extends into the highest echelons of power. For example, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently delivered a speech before the Senate where he openly criticized Netanyahu. This marks a significant departure for Schumer, a long-time advocate for Israel. These shifts in American policy may not yet constitute a full-fledged strategy, but they are certainly significant tactical moves that will have far-reaching implications. The evolving attitudes toward Israel are partly due to the changing generational landscape, as well as Israel’s right-wing government, which has been accused of perpetrating acts of genocide against Palestinians. This departure from moral values is being duly noted by the international community, and there is a growing recognition that the Palestinian issue cannot continue to be trapped in the same cycle it has been for decades. The recent formation of a six-party group, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan, meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo, underscores the need for a new approach to addressing the Palestinian conflict. The shift in the UN and European stance toward a Palestinian state further emphasizes the necessity for political solutions over mere humanitarian efforts. The next steps taken must be politically calculated, aiming toward the establishment of a Palestinian state that safeguards the remaining Palestinian territory and secures a viable future for the Palestinian people. —Osama Saraya (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)