Why did previous reconciliation agreements fail?

Our research identifies four root causes: the absence of an effective international guarantor, weak immediate incentives, competing regional interests, and the lack of binding implementation mechanisms.

What role do young people play in the reconciliation track?

Our research shows that young people constitute an independent pressure bloc able to reach across partisan alignments, and that involving them in negotiations makes agreements more durable.

Is reconciliation possible while the war continues?

Yes. International experience shows that major crises can drive unity rather than obstruct it. The key is to begin from the requirements of reconstruction as common ground.

Reconciliation and National Unity

Tracking the efforts to end the division and analysing the reasons for their stumbling, with policy papers on building new approaches to unity.

Key recommendations

Form a national unity government with a limited mandate, dedicated to reconstruction and elections.
Open an inclusive national dialogue track under Arab and international guarantee, with civil society taking part.
Establish a mechanism for the mutual release of political detainees as the confidence-building step the process requires.

At a glance

Public confidence in reconciliation — 61%
Young people supporting national unity — 84%

Timeline

January 2026 — A principles paper for comprehensive reconciliation — A document setting out the foundations of national reconciliation and its legal and political frameworks.
November 2025 — National Dialogue Conference — Cairo — 120 Palestinian figures from across the spectrum took part in an intensive dialogue track.
June 2025 — Report: obstacles to reconciliation in 2025 — An analytical survey of the institutional and political barriers holding back the reconciliation file.
March 2025 — Launch of the Youth Forum for National Unity — A forum bringing together 80 young women and men from Gaza and the West Bank to build a shared vision.

Frequently asked questions

Why did previous reconciliation agreements fail? — Our research identifies four root causes: the absence of an effective international guarantor, weak immediate incentives, competing regional interests, and the lack of binding implementation mechanisms.
What role do young people play in the reconciliation track? — Our research shows that young people constitute an independent pressure bloc able to reach across partisan alignments, and that involving them in negotiations makes agreements more durable.
Is reconciliation possible while the war continues? — Yes. International experience shows that major crises can drive unity rather than obstruct it. The key is to begin from the requirements of reconstruction as common ground.