Geneva:Hiba Qassas, Director General and Founder of the Principles for Peace Organization, has emphasized that ending the Israeli occupation and achieving the Palestinian people's right to self-determination are crucial for security and stability in the region. She maintains that the two-state solution is the only realistic resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, despite growing challenges.
According to Maan News Agency, Qassas discussed these issues during her appearance on the "Reality Dialogue" podcast on Ma'an TV. She highlighted that the Principles for Peace organization, headquartered in Geneva, operates in various conflict zones globally, leveraging its expertise in fostering stability and peacebuilding. Her experience with the United Nations in conflict areas, particularly in Iraq, inspired her to establish the organization, driven by the belief that true peace must improve people's lives, dignity, freedom, and safety, alongside meeting their basic needs.
Qassas mentioned that the organization has intensified its efforts concerning the Palestinian cause following the war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. In light of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the continued escalation in the West Bank, she emphasized the need for coordinated international and regional pressure to prioritize the Palestinian cause politically and preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
She also underscored the importance of international action to prevent annexation plans in the West Bank, provide security and humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip residents, and release Palestinian Authority funds withheld by Israel. This, she believes, would facilitate employee salary payments, revitalize the economy, ease banking sector pressures, and allow Palestinian workers to resume employment. Qassas called for collaboration between the United States, the European Union, and Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, to support Palestinian rights and influence developments.
Regarding peace prospects, Qassas noted that despite prevailing challenges, current regional and international contexts might present opportunities for political action. She advocated for internal Palestinian reforms through elections, institutional strengthening, and societal dialogue to rebuild trust between citizens and institutions. Expressing confidence in the Palestinian people's resilience, she stated that establishing a Palestinian state within the next decade is possible with continued and intensified political and diplomatic efforts to end the occupation and achieve self-determination.