The four-day humanitarian ceasefire/truce agreement reached between Israel and Hamas is a positive step forward and is a political product of the Global South's efforts toward a 'two-state solution.'

Indeed, countries of the Global South have positively received this agreement, viewing it as 'the practical implementation of the international community's call to de-escalate tensions.' The mediator, Qatar, stated that 'The ceasefire could be extended,' which was interpreted as an 'encouraging announcement' (Sputnik, 22.11.2023).

Cairo, Riyadh, Pretoria Initiatives

Although the four-day ceasefire is not a solution, it could open a window to one if utilized properly. The key lies in the Global South's deterrent power against any potential Israeli attack after its hostages are freed.

While it's impossible to swiftly resolve a conflict that has persisted for 75 years, progress toward a solution is evident. This progress invalidates apolitical views questioning the benefits of a multipolar world:

-In Cairo on October 21, a 'Peace Summit for Gaza' was held. The summit was significant for proposing a 'two-state solution' during an international meeting with representatives from 22 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

-In Riyadh on November 11, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held a joint summit. The summit in Riyadh, which gathered 57 countries, advanced Cairo's initiative: a seven-member Gaza Contact Group was formed, and an aim for 'international peace conference' was announced.

-BRICS, on November 21, hosted an extraordinary conference for Gaza. Apart from China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, upcoming full members Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates participated in the summit via video conference. One of the attendees was UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Actions Against Israel

Public outcry for an 'immediate solution' is understandable given the ongoing deaths, leading many to view these summits as ineffective in achieving immediate peace. However, a 75-year-old problem cannot be resolved overnight. The step-by-step initiative developed by the Global South ultimately holds the key to a definitive solution.

These three summits alone demonstrate how the Global South is increasingly shifting the 'two-state solution' from a regional to an international agenda.

This includes China's call for an 'international peace conference,' the Middle East special representative's engagements, the UN General Assembly vote isolating the US and Israel with its 12 allies, visits by the Gaza Contact Group to Beijing and Moscow, and South American countries severing diplomatic ties with Israel and halting arms purchases from countries selling weapons to Israel. Additionally, South Africa has requested the International Criminal Court investigate Israel and its Parliament has suspended diplomatic relations with Israel.

Initiative Lies with the Global South, Not the Atlantic

In response to the question, 'What is the world doing for Gaza?' the answer is now, 'The Global South is taking action for Gaza.' We will see these efforts eventually lead the Atlantic to accept the 'two-state solution.'

As we have maintained from the beginning: there is no basis for views suggesting, 'The US is bringing its aircraft carriers, the US-Israel will attack Iran, redraw the Middle East map, and complete the Greater Middle East Project.' On the contrary, the US is focused on 'maintaining the status quo.'

The initiative now lies with the Global South, and although progress is slow, it will bring a solution to this most critical issue in the Middle East.