Biden puts two-state solution back into play

Could the Biden Doctrine create a demilitarised Palestinian state out of the ashes of Gaza?

The possibility of re-opening peace negotiations is gaining ground as the international community invests hope in the Biden Doctrine, a plan that aims to use hostage and ceasefire negotiations to leverage a regional solution to the conflict.

The Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and the British foreign secretary David Cameron are among those who have floated the possibility of recognising a demilitarised Palestinian state in recent weeks.

Their support comes on the heels of the US declaration that it is actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.

The Biden Doctrine in a nutshell

The details of the Biden plan have yet to be hammered out. But it is expected that any negotiations would have to begin with a deal to release Israeli hostages in exchange for an “extended humanitarian pause”, which it is hoped would be long enough to negotiate the next stage and prevent the resumption of war in Gaza.

 The deal would also involve the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been convicted of terrorism.  

The US and its Arab partners – Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates –still hope this process will begin before March 10, which is the start of the month of Ramadan.