How can Europe play a more effective role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?

Abstract

Many feel that political decisions taken by European powers, particularly Great Britain, were largely to blame for the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Although the conflict itself resulted from the birth of Israel in 1948, some may argue that agreements such as that between Francois George- Picot of France and Sir Mark Sykes of the UK as well as the Balfour Declaration in November 1917 laid the foundation and played a role in deciding the destiny of the Palestinian people and their land, which eventually led to the ongoing conflict which we still witness today. One may also put forward the notion that the Balfour Declaration was the most crucial step before the conflict began. This stated that the British government advocated the cause that the Jewish people should have a national homeland situated in Palestine, it therefore gave the Jews the confidence and support they needed to start, through varied means, taking land in Palestine which subsequently became known as "Israel". I therefore think it is important that Europe, which will largely be represented by the EU, accept part of the blame and contribute more to find a resolution as soon as possible. In the body of the research paper I aim to expose all the past and present ties and links between Europe and the Middle East, as well as suggest what measures the EU can take to contribute towards peace in the future. I shall put forward arguments, for and against, which may advocate the EU as being a more effective mediator to the conflict rather than the United States who are seen by many as biased. Throughout the research document, I shall include the importance of effective mediation and debate whether Europe has better qualities then the US to deal with the dispute in the Middle East. Thiswill all be done in an effort to put forward a theory as to how Europe can play a more effective role in settling the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Furthermore I will draw out a case study of Malta's contributions towards improving the situation in this troubled region; it will represent a single country which is part of the EU. I have also chosen Malta because of its interesting and very important geostrategic position. I hope to show how Malta can be more active in aiding the peace process between the two disputants. I will conclude by giving limitations to the peace process, and discussing whether Europe can dcal with thc situation solcly or whcthcr thcy will have to work more effoctively with the rest of the quartet. In this thesis I aim to discover whether a more influential role by the EU is viable in today's conflict; and if so, to suggest ways in which it should do more to increase its influence, as a member of the quartet, to finding a peace deal.