When it comes to ending Israel’s occupation, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas knows the odds are stacked against him. Israel has always had the advantage thanks to its military muscle, efficient propaganda machine and support from powerful nations, particularly the United States. Under the status quo, Palestinians have very little hope of winning even the smallest of concessions in their pursuit of statehood. But they also have nothing to lose.
Their land is occupied. Their borders are controlled by external powers. Their already poor infrastructure has been further degraded by the recent 50-day Gaza war. Their options are limited, and there is a growing realisation that the Hamas strategy of periodically firing missiles into Israel has only ever visited more misery on Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority’s latest move to solve the perpetual impasse in peace talks is a draft resolution to the United Nations urging the Security Council to set a deadline for Israel to withdraw from all the territory it has occupied since the war of 1967. It’s no coincidence that the deadline, November 2016, coincides with the US presidential elections. It is a reminder that the prospects of Palestinian statehood largely lie with America – which, on past performance, is likely to veto this application. Perhaps Mr Abbas is hoping that president Barack Obama, who cannot run for office again, will stand up to the powerful pro-Israel bloc in Congress. But that, unfortunately, is highly unlikely.
However, the UN move should be seen as a part of the public relations war that has for too long been dominated by the Israeli narrative. The Palestinians have said they are considering taking Israel to the International Criminal Court, but their best chance of achieving statehood lies with the court of global public opinion. The boycott, divestment and sanctions movement has already encouraged many companies and individuals to rethink their financial ties with Israel. Tourism numbers have fallen in Israel since this year’s war, depriving the country of a significant source of income, and the PA can do more to appeal to the consciences of Christians who are considering visits to Holy Land sites. It is even possible that, as many American voters ponder that 2016 deadline they will look more favourably on candidates who support a fair and just deal for the Palestinian people.