Gaza war: a ceasefire depends on a leap of faith from both sides – Northern Ireland showed us how
Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire leading to the establishment of a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state.
- Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire leading to the establishment of a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state.
- This means continuing conflict while negotiating a peace deal in good faith.
- In Northern Ireland, the British were persuaded to do both and it worked.
- In Palestine, Israel uses force with considerable effect – but in the absence of peacemaking, this force is counterproductive.
- The Northern Ireland secretary, Peter Brooke, declared that the British had no selfish or strategic interests in Northern Ireland, ceasefires were agreed, and an effective, inclusive peace process was implemented.
Accepting change
- On this point, I was able to help Sinn Fein deal with a critical problem which has also been a problem for Hamas: its constitution.
- Sinn Fein’s constitution prohibited it taking seats in a Northern Ireland assembly – it could only participate in a parliament that represented a united Ireland.
- So, arguably, it had negotiated the Good Friday Agreement in bad faith.
- He might also have suggested Netanyahu learn the lessons of Northern Ireland and make peace with his Palestinian neighbours.