[YZF]

The state of Israel offered Palestinians a two state solutions multiple times starting at its inception (and it also offered them a one state solution at its inception with them being equal citizens in a free democratic country). Maybe it wasn't the best the Palestinians were looking for but it wasn't unreasonable and it was very close to what everyone (other than the Palestinians) says when they say "two state solution". Where we are today is the result of them rejecting it and instead opting for the "one day we'll send all the Jews back to Europe" solution (despite more than half Israeli Jews being from the middle east and generally no place for Jews to go). This is still their plan today, they say it out loud, you just need to listen.

EDIT: I'd also challenge you to tell me why these two states weren't created when Egypt ruled over Gaza and Jordan over the West Bank and Jerusalem up till 1967 (the six day war) when Israel took those areas. Where were all those supporters of the two state solution then? Why didn't they recognize the state of Palestine then over those territories that Israel didn't control?

[goldenManatee]

Before 1948 the Palestinians were peasants living under foreign rule. But at least they were alive. When Zionist interests moved in, backed by English and American militancy to enforce land purchase contracts, the Palestinians were not a centrally organized collective. You cannot “offer” to people who are not organized, and that’s what Israel has exploited. Jews went on a 2,000 year holiday in Europe, then came back and expected they could relive the glory days of a kingdom from over 2,000 years ago. The issue has been the presumption that you can “offer” to people who have occupied the land consistently for thousands of years. Their lack of central government as peasants does not negate their humanity. Except in the Israeli government’s expansionist eyes.