Ex-PM Olmert, ex-PA foreign minister propose plan for two-state solution to conflict

Former prime minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Authority foreign minister Nasser al-Kidwa agree to cooperate on advancing peace between Israelis and Palestinians, including a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, and the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state, according to a joint statement.

The two leaders agree to the territorial solution proposed by Olmert during his time in office based on the 1967 borders but with land swaps to account for Israeli settlements and Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem; a Palestinian capital in Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem; and the administration of the Old City by a trusteeship of five states including Israel and Palestine.

They agree that an Israeli withdrawal and a Palestinian, technocratic governing council linked to the PA is necessary in the Gaza Strip and that the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be prepared for elections within 24-35 months, the statement reads.

An Arab peacekeeping force, called the Temporary Arab Security Presence (TASP) will be needed to “stabilize” the Strip, in cooperation with the Israeli military, to prevent terror attacks from Gaza.

“Finally, they agreed on the need of a donors conference to rebuild the Gaza Strip with a serious participation of wealthy countries,” the statement reads.