A Framework for Israeli-Palestinian Peace and
The Center for the Promotion of Global Health (CPGH) proposes a sustained, internationally supported peace process that protects Israeli and Palestinian civilians, advances Palestinian self-determination, and builds lasting security for both peoples. Its goal is a sovereign, viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security, with equal respect for human dignity and the rights of both peoples.
1. Civilian protection and humanitarian recovery
An immediate priority is to establish and sustain a ceasefire wherever hostilities continue, prevent renewed violence, and support the recovery of former hostages, survivors, and affected families. Any future arrangements concerning Palestinian detainees should proceed through lawful, negotiated processes with appropriate due-process safeguards. Humanitarian assistance, medical care, water, food, shelter, and essential services must be provided according to civilian need and must not depend on political concessions.
Independent monitoring should support compliance and civilian protection. International assistance should support recovery and reconstruction with transparent oversight, meaningful Palestinian participation, and safeguards against diversion. Reconstruction should protect residents' rights and avoid forced displacement. Trauma care, rehabilitation, and support for bereaved families should be central priorities.
2. An independently mediated political process
We propose a process inspired by principles of the Good Friday Agreement: sustained mediation, democratic consent, commitments to peaceful politics, and institutions that support cooperation. Northern Ireland offers useful lessons, while the different history and circumstances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict require a specifically negotiated approach. Mediators accepted by both sides should work with authorized Israeli representatives and a broadly legitimate Palestinian delegation, drawing on the PLO's representative role and supported by governance reform and a credible electoral pathway. Women, civil society, affected communities, and young people should have structured opportunities to contribute. Regional and international partners should support negotiations and implementation without substituting for the consent of the two peoples.
3. Conditions for peaceful political participation
Participation by Hamas or any other armed faction in a future political system should require a verified transition to exclusively peaceful, democratic activity: renunciation of terrorism and attacks on civilians, disarmament through an agreed and monitored process, acceptance of mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence, and respect for agreed obligations and democratic outcomes. This proposal does not presume automatic recognition of Hamas as a legitimate political party.
Political inclusion must not confer immunity for serious crimes. Credible, independent investigations and appropriate accountability should address violations by all parties, including attacks on civilians, hostage-taking, and conflict-related sexual violence. Transitional governance should place security under accountable civilian institutions rather than independent armed factions.
4. A substantive agreement with enforceable commitments
Negotiations should address borders and mutually agreed land arrangements; Jerusalem and access to holy sites; settlements; refugees and agreed remedies; water and other shared resources; and the territorial viability and connectivity of a Palestinian state. The agreement must protect the security, rights, and self-determination of both peoples.
Implementation should proceed through reciprocal, verifiable steps with clear responsibilities, milestones, independent monitoring, dispute-resolution procedures, and credible international guarantees. Security arrangements should protect civilians on both sides and prevent attacks without perpetuating indefinite occupation or denying Palestinian sovereignty. International support should help sustain compliance over time.
5. Public consent and democratic legitimacy
A negotiated agreement could be submitted to separate Israeli and Palestinian referendums, subject to an agreed legal framework. Before any vote, the parties would need to resolve voter eligibility, including the treatment of displaced people and diaspora participation; ensure safety and freedom of campaigning; provide accessible, accurate information; and arrange independent supervision. The process should safeguard fundamental rights and comply with international law.
If an agreement is rejected, mediators and representatives should examine the reasons and determine whether further negotiation is possible. A new vote should follow meaningful revisions and an agreed timetable, rather than automatic referendums every six months. Any alternative ratification process should have clear legal authority and democratic legitimacy.
6. A regional initiative for children and families
CPGH proposes an International Advisory Board for Middle Eastern Children and Families to encourage practical cooperation in health, trauma recovery, education, rehabilitation, and family wellbeing. Initial projects should begin wherever safe and feasible, without waiting for a final political settlement or full diplomatic normalization.
The initiative should include Israeli and Palestinian professionals, young people, and civil-society representatives, alongside willing regional partners and independent specialists. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other regional states could be invited as conditions permit; their participation should not be a prerequisite. Safeguarding, equitable representation, transparent funding, and measurable benefits should guide its work.
Over time, voluntary cultural, educational, and sporting exchanges could foster relationships across communities. Educational cooperation should promote dignity, nonviolence, historical understanding, and respect for diversity. Wider diplomatic recognition and regional cooperation should advance through negotiated commitments alongside progress toward peace.
Purpose and next steps
This framework is offered for discussion with experienced mediators, Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders,
humanitarian organizations, and regional partners. It does not presume their endorsement. The next step would be to test its feasibility, refine its safeguards, and identify practical projects that can help children and families while supporting a credible political pathway to peace.