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Black Coffee Morning: John Bell on recognising a Palestinian state

The Arab Spring has jolted both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict into action. Hamas and Fatah are attempting to form a unity government and the Palestinian Authority is now determined to get a vote from the United Nations General Assembly in September recognising a Palestinian state in its 1967 borders. Meanwhile President Obama’s overtures have been rejected by Israel and while few see negotiations restarting in the current climate, this is undoubtedly an opportunity to breathe new life into the Middle East Peace Process. Should Europe support the Palestinians come September? What alternative strategy could make a difference? How can the Arab Spring have a positive impact for the Peace Process? 

John Bell from the Toledo International Centre for Peace addressed the Black Coffee Morning at ECFR's London office on July 1st 2011. Click here to listen to the first part of his address.