Palestine Should Declare Statehood

Common Dreams - The unceasing building of settlements on Palestinian land underscores the need for Palestinians to take a more definite action regarding their future and their rightful desire to have their own state. They should declare statehood.

While condemning Israel's recent decision to build more settlements in east Jerusalem as a move that could "inflame" tensions, U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden has told Palestinians that they deserve a "viable" independent state with contiguous territory. At the same time, both French and Spanish officials are reportedly working the conditions that would lead to a European recognition of an independent Palestine State.

This measure has the support of some Israelis. A recent newspaper ad by Gush Shalom, one of the best known peace groups in Israel reads, "We shall welcome the declaration of the Free State of Palestine."

What could lead Palestinians to follow such a drastic course? On one of the more contentious issues, the building of settlements, no progress has been achieved. For the past 25 years, every U.S. President has tried to persuade Israel to stop building settlements in Palestinian lands to no avail. And this is just one of the topics separating Israelis and Palestinians. Read more.