ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT AND THE UNITED STATES’ COMPREHENSIVE PEACE SETTLEMENT PROCESS (2001-2014)

Abstract

This study examined Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a focus on the US comprehensive peace settlement process. This paper examined this peace option and how it has affected the realization of a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The study adopted explanatory research design, and used qualitative research technique and content analysis. The study adopted the zero-sum two-person game theory which enabled us to understand the win-win or loss-loss attitude of the parties involved. The paper discussed and analysed the research objectives through which we evaluated the research hypotheses and provided the findings. We found that the hegemony of US, interest groups, religious and cultural differences of both parties and the strategic interest of US in the Middle East has made the realization of the two-state solution difficult, and the implications of the failure of US peace settlement process at achieving the goal of resolving the conflict has led to the hatred of United States and her allies by Islamic fundamentalists and proliferation of terrorist groups in the Middle East. We recommended that US seeks the cooperation of all world leaders in which all should face the hard truths of this conflict and the dangers it has posed to world peace by showing more proactive actions and commitment in the resolution of the conflict. US should also change her position as the chief intermediary between the Israelis and the Palestinians and support United Nations peace