After the, somewhat, decisive meetings of the Palestinian Central Council in Gaza, and following what seems to be an undisputable commitment to declaring an independent Palestinian state by the end of this year, it is difficult not to feel a sense of tension and cold diplomatic gestures by both Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Israeli Minister of Justice, Mr. Yossi Beilin, has blatantly stated that a Palestinian state without Israel’s approval would be a state on paper only, reflecting Israel’s arrogance, and the extent to which it is willing to go in undermining the rights of the Palestinian people.

White House officials have also discouraged the move by claiming that neither side can take “unilateral decisions.” This is an invalid assertion, in light of Israel’s countless unilateral actions throughout the course of the peace process. The construction of new settlements, and extension of existing ones, is one of the most obvious and detrimental Israel actions that have been carried without the consent of the Palestinian.

The declaration of the Palestinian state is not merely a “political move,” it is more importantly a “right” which the Palestinian people are entitled to by virtue of the peace process. Barak and his government cannot, under any circumstances, deny this right. Therefore, any attempt to undermine the declaration of the state in September will have dangerous and detrimental implications on the future of peace in the region.