What this is about
The Biden administration’s current scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza might make it challenging to believe that there was a time when the United States actually supported Israel’s potential annexation of Gaza. However, 75 years ago, such a proposal was very much on the table, whetting appetite for peace and stability in the region.
Why it matters
This overlooked episode is vital for understanding past diplomatic efforts and missed opportunities to resolve the status of Gaza, which might have changed the trajectory of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
How it happened
Following the 1948 War of Independence, the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine hosted a conference in Lausanne in 1949. Delegates from Israel, its neighboring Arab countries, and representatives from the United States, France, and Turkey discussed crucial issues such as boundaries, Jerusalem, and the Palestinian refugee crisis. Although the conference lacked direct negotiations, significant solutions were proposed.
Israel’s strategic move
In May 1949, the Israeli government discussed a proposal to annex Gaza, bringing the 200,000 Palestinian Arabs living there as citizens. While some reservations were voiced, a majority supported the proposal, highlighting Gaza’s natural alignment with Israeli territory and the impending advantages, including contributions to solving the refugee issue.
U.S. Backing
Secretary of State Dean Acheson affirmed American support, urging a push from Britain and negotiations aimed at persuading Egypt, the occupying power, to agree. However, Cairo’s demand that Israel sacrifice the entire Negev in exchange for Gaza put a halt to these efforts.
The missed opportunity
Had the Gaza proposal been accepted, it might have resolved its status and provided a new living hope for its population whilst preserving Israel’s sovereignty and security needs from an ancient years topic. Unfortunately, Arab states’ political maneuvering and insistence on non-viable conditions torpedoed the plan, resulting in missed opportunities and continued conflict.
The implications today
Over the decades, the issues have only intensified, also leaving the prospect of incorporating Gaza into Israel today as almost inconceivable. Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize that even in 1949, the US recognized Gaza’s natural belonging with Israel—a reality that still holds true. This marks—noteworthy that historical opportunities, mitigated with more extensive Arab cooperation—could potentially alter long-standing lines of conflict and might otherwise be averted in Gaza should be resolved simpler by encouraging territorial alignments in accordance with the experiences endorsed.
This story was first published on jpost.com.