THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT AND THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESSES: AN ANALYSES OF PEACE PROCESS SPOILERS

Abstract

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one that has endured for decades, making every attempt at resolving it inconsequential. The reason for this, as has been hypothesized, is as a result of certain spoiling dynamics contrived by the parties and other external interests consciously or unconsciously. These spoiling dynamics alongside certain unwholesome attitudinal disposition of the parties, have greatly undermines peace in the region. In light of the above, the study employed Daniel Katz Functional Attitude Theory (FAT) to unearth the philosophical underpinnings as to why both parties have engaged each other the way they have done to scuttle the various peace processes instituted by third parties. Using the documentary method of data collection, the study found that the actions of both parties in relations to peace organisations and commissions instituted by members of the international community, derailed peace processes in the region. The study therefore, concludes and recommends that for peace to be restored and maintained in the region, both parties must put aside their ancient attitude of mistrust and mutual suspicion ingrained in their psyche and cultural philosophy.