CEPR

A unified Palestinian government with a single democratic voice is the best chance that the Palestinian people have had so far in convincing the international community that it is ready for statehood. This should give the Palestinians a genuine chance when seeking international recognition of an independent Palestinian State at the UN General Assembly this September.

Palestinian reconciliation also provides a golden opportunity for the EU to regain its credibility in the Middle East after its refusal to recognise the election of Hamas in 2006. The EU must recognise the unity government to provide a new impetus to the Middle East Peace Process. This should include providing financial assistance and support in the presidential and legislative elections that are due to occur within the next year.

At the same time, the EU should seek to influence Israel and the US to recognise the unity government and to see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat. Palestinian reconciliation is the first step towards providing the Palestinian people with a genuine possibility to have a stable, democratic Palestine which would fortify Israel's security.

The Palestinian reconciliation should be seen as part of the emerging Middle East context of greater community engagement which the EU should embrace, just as they have done for the Egyptians, Tunisians and Libyans. Inspired by the wave of popular uprisings in the Arab world, thousands of young Palestinians took to the streets calling for a unity government. Perhaps it is through fear of a revolt in Palestine that the two factions accepted this agreement, or the realisation that an end to political division in Palestine gives them a stronger position at the negotiating table. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that this is a positive and encouraging step towards a legitimate, democratic and representative Palestinian government.

Although Palestinian reconciliation is a powerful first step towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many obstacles still stand in its way. Questions surrounding whether the Palestinian deal will hold and the reaction of the international community, should not be overlooked. Furthermore, as we wait for Israel's much needed acceptance of the new unity government, it is crucial that the new Palestinian strategy includes adherence to international law and therefore to non-violence. At the same time, a moratorium on Israeli settlements must take place immediately and the Gaza blockade must be lifted. Only when international support is given to this process and both Israelis and Palestinians abide by international law will there be any chance of success for a united, independent Palestinian state and a meaningful peace in the Middle East.

Keith Taylor is a Green Party Member of the European Parliament for the South East Region of the UK.