Janice R. Andrews
When President Bill Clinton visited Gaza in 1998, he presented a markedly different approach to the region’s future than recent proposals advocating Palestinian displacement. His visit, following the Wye River Memorandum, centered on economic development and coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis.
Clinton’s vision materialized in concrete projects: Gaza’s international airport and a new beachfront hotel emerged as symbols of potential prosperity and global connection. His memorable words during the visit – “You are bound to be neighbors. The question is not whether you will live side by side, but how” – emphasized the inevitability and necessity of coexistence.
However, this vision faced significant challenges. The early 2000s saw rising tensions, and Hamas’s 2007 takeover of Gaza led to increased conflict and isolation through blockades. The administration’s efforts at fostering collaboration ultimately couldn’t overcome the complex political dynamics.
As Gaza faces renewed conflict today, Clinton’s emphasis on engagement rather than exclusion remains pertinent. While security concerns require serious attention, proposals for mass displacement contradict the fundamental principle that sustainable peace requires both Israelis and Palestinians to have a meaningful stake in the region’s future.
