Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the Oslo Agreement and Turkey's policy on this issue

Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the regional controversies of utmost importance inherited from the 20th century. The historical, cultural as well as regional ties that the Israeli and Palestinian peoples have with the same lands lie at the core of the conflict. The status of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, Jewish settlers, borders, security arrangements and the utilization of economic resources are the main components of the conflict.Although the Middle East Peace Process, which started with the Madrid Peace Conference of 1991 and gained impetus by the Oslo Accords, raised hopes towards the settlement of this conflict, the failure of the Camp David Summit of 2000 brought the peace efforts to a standstill. The Annapolis process, which was initiated at the end of November 2007, did also fall short of providing any concrete progress in terms of the resolution of the conflict.Since May of 2010, indirect negotiations are being carried out by Israel and Palestine under the mediation of George Mitchell, Special Envoy of the US President for the Middle East. However, these proximity talks have yet to yield promising outcomes. The disunity between Hamas and Fatah on the Palestinian side as well as the blockade implemented by Israel against Gaza pose a negative impact on the proximity talks. Therefore, in order to obtain favorable results out of the negotiations, it is of primary significance to end the duality on the Palestinian front, cease the Israeli blockade of Gaza, stop the Israeli settlement activities and engage Hamas in the peace process. Because, the existing situation between Israel and Palestine is far from being sustainable. Thecontinuation of this conflict will no doubt increase the level of instability throughout the region. Hence, the parties should act responsibly and step up efforts on taking mutually confidence-building measures which will play a key role in creating the foundation for a comprehensive settlement.Turkey desires a peaceful, just and lasting settlement to the Israel-Palestine conflict, through mutual negotiations on the basis of a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Turkey, in line with its pro-active foreign policy understanding vis-a-vis the Middle East, should carry on providing its contributions to the efforts geared towards ending this conflict within the framework of a final peace agreement.Key Words1. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict2. Madrid Peace Conference3. Oslo Accords4. Camp David Summit5. Road Map