Implications of the Segregation Wall on the Two-state Solution

Abstract

The two-state scenario is celebrated as the feasible solution to the geo-political conflict that spawns Palestine/Israel. The final status negotiation items between Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution are mainly borders, Israeli settlements, Jerusalem, water, and Palestinian refugees. This article argues that the Segregation Wall that Israel started building in the West Bank in 2002 has negative implications for the feasibility of the two-state solution, and would lead to unsustainable outcomes, especially for the Palestinian statehood. This article aims at unveiling the anticipated adverse reverberations of the Segregation Wall on the two-state solution by parsing the main items deferred to final status negotiations. The research methodology in this article used mixed research methods, drawing from both quantitative and qualitative approaches and using data from primary and secondary sources, including field observations, archived research of published documents by state and non-state actors, along with mapping interpretations using Geographic Information Systems. The article starts by introducing the current predicaments and by defining the Segregation Wall; its main elements and characteristics. Afterwards, the article squarely and substantially provides factual analysis and discussion of the anticipated negative implications on the question of borders, Israeli settlements, Jerusalem, water, and Palestinian refugees, which are all key final status negotiations issues for a proposed two-state solution.