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If I were given the script of Chuck Schumer's speech on the Senate floor a year ago, I would not have believed what I was reading. The U.S. senator courageously denounced right-wing extremists and exposed the anti-peace rhetoric of the current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while debunking efforts to deny Palestinian national rights. The Democratic Speaker of the United States Senate, who has been a fierce supporter of Israel, forcefully disparaging the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister while speaking powerfully about Palestinian rights gave me and many other Palestinians a sense of hope.
The speech wasn't perfect; Schumer denied the Palestinian right of return and compared it to the illegal expansion of Jewish settlements. But it was a powerful move, particularly at this time. Senator Schumer didn't just give lip service to the idea of an independent Palestinian state; he gave theoretical backing to Palestinian peoplehood. He said that the Palestinian people "have lived on the land for generations, and in past centuries, they have formed their own distinct culture, identity, cuisine, and literature." He called the idea that some on the right espouse, that there is no such thing as Palestinians, "offensive and unhelpful."
Senator Schumer's call for a change in Palestinian leadership was similar to his call for the same in Israel, reflecting not interference in anyone's affairs but a correct observation of the aspirations of most Israelis and Palestinians as reflected in successive polls. And while Schumer was adamant about Hamas not having significant power in the future, he was not absolute in his rejection of a role, albeit not a majority role, for Hamas. "But any proposal that leaves Hamas with meaningful power is unacceptable to me and most all Israelis," he said.
If Schumer is genuine about Palestinian statehood, then he will need to spearhead an effort to reverse U.S. legislation that constrains the reopening of the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Washington and the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, and the ability of President Biden to unilaterally recognize Palestine without U.S. legislation kicking in that would force America to defund the entire United Nations.
It is unclear at this time whether his speech hurt or helped Netanyahu, who will continue to cling to the right of independent decision-making at a time when the Western world has been shielding his country from scrutiny.
Palestinians and Israelis are not going anywhere. The only way to reach genuine peace is to understand, respect, and accommodate the legitimate rights of a proud Palestinian people. Radicalism breads radicalism and moderation begets moderation.
The time now is ripe for tough love and a strong international effort to protect the moderates and allow for a peaceful resolution that will allow an independent and democratic state of Palestine alongside a safe and secure state of Israel.
The unexpectedly courageous words of Senator Schumer have brought both peoples closer to the reality of peace with justice based on two states for two proud people.
Daoud Kuttab an award-winning Palestinian journalist is a regular columnist with AL monitor and Arab News. Follow him on X @daoudkuttab and on Threads @daoud.kuttab.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
