 
The search for a just peace in the Middle East: what does KAIROS
believe?
KAIROS’ work in the Palestinian – Israeli conflict centers
around the search for a just and lasting peace to the conflict that
has remain unresolved for over 50 years. What do we believe to be
the main elements in such a peace?
We believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have a rightful
claim to a home in the Middle East. While at some point in the future
this may take the shape of one bi-national state for two peoples,
we believe the best solution now is for each people to have a sovereign
state of their own, with each recognizing the existence of the other.
The question of where to draw the border of these two states is
one that has been deeply divisive for many years. KAIROS believes
that an Israeli state should follow the borders of Israel as they
existed on June 4, 1967, prior to the Israeli occupation. A Palestinian
state would therefore encompass the current territories of the West
Bank, as defined by the internationally recognized “Green
Line” and Gaza (including some form of guaranteed transit
between these two separate pieces of land).
Such a solution would require a complete Israeli withdrawal of
its troops and settlers from the West Bank and Gaza, and Israeli
recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. It would also require
an end to Palestinian attacks in Israel.
Jerusalem must become a shared city for both Palestinians and Israelis,
and for people of the three faiths for whom it is a holy city: Muslims,
Jews and Christians. Accordingly, Israel must relinquish its annexation
claim of East Jerusalem.
A just peace also requires a solution to the refugee problem. Currently,
there are approximately 4 million Palestinian refugees, including
those living in refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza. A solution
to their plight will need to include a variety of options, including
returning to live in Israel as Arab – Israeli citizens, the
granting of full citizenship in their current countries of residence,
settling in a future Palestinian state, and monetary compensation
for the loss of their properties.
Until a Palestinian state is realized, Israel is an occupying power
in the Palestinian Territories and must respect international law
as specified in the Fourth Geneva Convention.
To see KAIROS’ entire policy framework regarding this issue,
please see http://www.kairoscanada.org/e/partners/mideast/policy020917.asp
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