Practicality

Is the JPA Realistic?

Yes. Every aspect of the agreement and its implementation is spelt out in the text in exhaustive detail. Each step is sequenced, costed and inter-related so the whole process works together to ensure the outcome we want: two equal states living side by side in harmony, security and prosperity.

Is the JPA Timely?

Yes. Now is the time for an agreement like the JPA to be taken up by Israel and implemented. They know that the national aspirations of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, and they have to find a way to live together. They are ready to switch their security strategy to supporting the economic development of an independent State of Palestine so as to remove permanently the root causes of violence and terrorism.

Yes. Now is the time for an agreement like the JPA to be taken up by Palestinians and implemented. They know that the national identity and security of Israel cannot be destroyed, and they have to find a way to live together. They are ready to adopt exclusively non-violent and democratic means to attain the economic development of an independent State of Palestine so as to remove permanently the root causes of oppression and occupation.

Is the JPA Over-Ambitious?

Yes! The Just Peace Agreement sets its sights very high — as high as the highest ideals of the two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians. As high as the highest ideals of all the ordinary people round the world who are supporting it. But we never apologize for setting our sights on a complete and lasting peace, because we are sure that is what is needed, that is what everyone wants, and so that is what should be delivered.

No. All the objections and obstacles are in people's minds. There is nothing in this agreement that cannot be achieved in practice if the Palestinians and Israelis set their minds to it, and determine themselves that it can be done. To back them up, there is massive support built into the agreement from the international community in terms of finance, resources, expertise, skills, training and advice.

Is the JPA Naive?

No. The agreement recognizes that the two sides do not trust each other, and has a built-in process of rolling implementation to foster trust between the parties until they reach the point at which they can sign the agreement.

No. The agreement recognizes the enormous mental leap necessary for the parties to change the strategies they are using to achieve their national aspirations. So it spells out in detail the aims, the process for achieving these aims step by step, the methods and mechanisms for verification of each step of implementation, and how the parties can continue the process indefinitely in the future.

Is the JPA Magic?

No. It is not a magic spell and we have no magic wand. The people involved have to see that it is going to deliver justice and peace, and set about implementing it for themselves; then the agreement will start to become real. At the moment it is nothing but ink on paper, spots on computer screens, ideas and dreams in our heads. When it is translated into action it will become more powerful than magic.

Yes. Every country has had magic moments in its history; moments that no-one who was there will ever forget, moments that changed the future completely and forever. The day when the Just Peace Agreement is signed in Jerusalem will be such a moment in the history of Israel and Palestine. The implementation of the agreement will not be magic, but maybe people will feel that the effects of it are.