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Feasible and Liveable Solutions for Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem

Explore the vital role of Jerusalem in achieving a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace. This forum envisions a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the shared capital and offers policy recommendations to foster equitable development, trust-building, and sustainable coexistence. Join the conversation for a peaceful resolution.

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Feasible and Liveable Solutions for Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem

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  1. Feasible and Liveable Solutions for Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem Jerusalem Policy Forum: Toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict

  2. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS / VISION • Jerusalem plays pivotal role in any political agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. • Optimal resolution of the conflict lies in viable two-state solution, with Jerusalem serving as capitals of both states. • Only through active and ongoing dialogue… can we and our communities find the creativity to achieve our strategic goal of two capitals for two states in Jerusalem.

  3. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS / VISION • Current Israeli policies in Jerusalem endanger future political agreement. • Israeli and Palestinian Jerusalemites live lives confronted, complicated and hindered by the difficulties of the conflict. • To move toward resolution, Israeli policies in Jerusalem must be reversed, and an alternative policy framework designed – to allow equitable, sustainable development of both peoples in the city; and building of trust.

  4. Aims of Israeli Policy in East Jerusalem • Add land w/o Palestinian population • Link West Jerusalem to East • Populate East Jerusalem with Jewish settlements/neighborhoods and Israeli institutions • Maintain Israeli/Jewish demographic advantage

  5. Limiting Palestinian Development • Land expropriation • Restrictive planning and development policies • Under-allocation of municipal services to Palestinian population

  6. Jerusalem on Negotiating Table: July 2000 - Clinton Parameters • What is Arab should be Palestinian, and what is Jewish should be Israeli. • Maximum contiguity for both sides. • Parameters would also apply to the Old City.

  7. The Shift since 2001 • Collapse of negotiations; continued confrontations • Palestinian institutions banned • Increased settlement activity • Separation Barrier / Wall

  8. The Barrier/ Wall Considerations behind its route in the Jerusalem Area: • “Cement” the municipal border; preclude Clinton Parameters • Exclude ¼ of Jerusalem’s Palestinian population • Connect (annex) 3 West Bank settlement blocs to Jerusalem

  9. Effects of Israeli Policies in Jerusalem • West Bank dissected by wall/ barrier • East Jerusalem cut off from West Bank • Palestinian Jerusalem metropolitan area fragmented • Palestinian community weakened, poor; middle class flight • Extremism strengthened in Jerusalem • Conflict increasingly religious.

  10. Jerusalem Policy Forum Equitable, stable and just city for both nations – A city that remains open for future political resolution to two capitals

  11. The Jerusalem Policy Forum Practicalities of Interim Stage: Future is determined on the ground. • Halt harmful unilateral actions • Strengthen human and physical infrastructure • Work together toward separating: develop systems of dividing, sharing and coordinating

  12. After Annapolis: Jerusalem Back on Negotiating Table Needed: Policy Shift for Secure and sustainable future • Two viable socio-economic communities for 250,000 Palestinians & 470,000 Israelis • Two political communities in Jerusalem

  13. After Annapolis: Jerusalem Back on Negotiating Table? “Facts on the ground” contradict declarations: • New tenders for Har Homa, new plans for Atarot, Sheikh Jarrah, East Talpiot, E-1. • Tunneling under Muslim Quarter & in Silwan. • Mughrabi Gate Ramp. • Continued harrassment of Palestinian NGO’s. • Increased settlement activity in and around Old City, supported by Israeli government.

  14. What Now?Policy Recommendations • Create the atmosphere for good faith negotiations in Jerusalem. • Cease Israeli unilateral actions in East Jerusalem that jeopardize the two-capital / two-state solution: E-1, Har Homa, Ras el Amud, expropriation of Palestinian land ...

  15. What Now?Equitability under Israeli Rule • Equitable regulations (e.g., in taxation, property registration, planning, development incentives) for development of both communities. • Resource allocation:budgets to Palestinian neighborhoods should reflect share of the city population: 35%. • Access. Safeguard Palestinian connection to Jerusalem. Allow maximum access between East Jerusalem & West Bank.

  16. What Now?Work Together for Successful Separation • Palestinianinstitutions – support their creation and allow their operation in East Jerusalem. • Status and entitlements. Status of Palestinian Jerusalemites should not be altered unilaterally. Changes are part of a bilateral agreement. • Old City. Develop transparent and inclusive processes involving all parties; take into consideration their sensitivities and needs.

  17. Remember: The future of the Palestinian / Israeli conflict is determined by facts on the ground in Jerusalem today.

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