A Path to Lasting Peace A Just Solution for the Palestine-Israel Conflict and the Sacred City of Jerusalem.

A Path to Lasting Peace: A Just Solution for the Palestine-Israel Conflict and the Sacred City of Jerusalem

In recent months, the escalating war in Gaza and looming threats against Iran have stirred global alarm. While some international leaders project these events as defense strategies, a deeper analysis—reinforced by the recent tweets of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu—suggests otherwise. Many now believe that this war serves as a distraction to conceal Netanyahu’s deepening corruption scandals. It is time for this destructive cycle to end. War cannot be the solution—dialogue, justice, and mutual respect must take its place.

The Need for an Inclusive and Balanced Peace Process

The only viable way forward is a comprehensive and inclusive peace solution—one that considers the concerns, histories, and rights of all stakeholders. This includes not only Israel and the Palestinian Authority, but also Hamas and other resistance movements, who represent a segment of the Palestinian voice and must be part of any durable agreement.

International actors must also play an active role. Key global and regional powers such as the United States, Russia, the European Union, China, Qatar, Pakistan, and especially Iran, must sit at the table as equal stakeholders. Each of these entities holds influence, interests, or historic roles that can be channeled toward a just peace.

Palestinian Freedom and the Release of Hostages

The end goal must be the complete liberation of Palestine, ensuring a sovereign state with recognized borders. Equally critical is the mutual release of hostages and prisoners. Israel must release detained Palestinians, and Palestinian groups must release Israeli hostages. This reciprocal gesture of goodwill could be a foundation for broader reconciliation.

Jerusalem – The Sacred but Disputed City

The heart of the conflict remains Jerusalem—known as Al-Quds to Muslims and as the capital of their ancient kingdom to Jews. Both communities have deep-rooted spiritual and historical ties to this city.

• Jews regard Jerusalem as the location of the Temple of Solomon, and their religious rituals are closely tied to the Western Wall (Wailing Wall).

• For Muslims, it is the site of the first Qibla (direction of prayer) and the Isra and Mi’raj—the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa and then to the heavens.

• Historically, Salahuddin Ayyubi’s liberation of Jerusalem from the Crusaders has left an indelible mark on Muslim consciousness, symbolizing divine justice and triumph.

Given these unyielding claims, neither side is likely to fully relinquish their claim on the city. Therefore, a neutral, peaceful, and cooperative solution is imperative.

Proposed Solution: Declaring Jerusalem a Sacred Religious City

I propose that Jerusalem be declared a neutral and sacred city, governed not by political ambitions but by a shared religious committee. This committee should include equal representatives from the Jewish and Muslim faiths, and possibly even Christian representation, as the city also holds immense significance to Christianity.

This Joint Religious Council would oversee the administration, maintenance, and access protocols of the city, ensuring:

• Religious freedom and access for all pilgrims—whether they hold an Israeli or Palestinian visa.

• Absolute separation from political control, making Jerusalem a city of faith, not politics.

• Restoration and preservation of all religious sites with mutual respect.

Such a system is not unprecedented. The Vatican, though situated in Rome, is an independent religious city. Similarly, Jerusalem could serve as a global symbol of peace, co-managed by religious authorities rather than political regimes.

Ending the Cycle of War – Preventing World War III

This model not only offers a way to resolve a century-old dispute but also removes one of the most volatile triggers for a potential World War III. The current regional tensions, if left unchecked, may engulf more nations and destabilize global peace permanently.

We must remind world leaders that the pursuit of peace is not weakness, but wisdom. Continuing the bloodshed only deepens suffering and delays the inevitable dialogue that must occur. The world has seen enough of war—what it needs now is vision, compassion, and justice.

Conclusion: A Call to the World

My demand is clear:

• Freedom for Palestine

• Release of all hostages and prisoners

• Neutral status for Jerusalem

• Religious freedom for all

• End to all military aggression

Let the world come together—not just to stop a war, but to prevent the next one.

I, Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari, am not a politician, but a voice of reason advocating for peace, coexistence, and the dignity of all human lives. Our faiths may differ, but our tears are the same. Let us not allow any leader, no matter how powerful, to sacrifice peace for personal gain.