The Palestinian Refugee Problem: Theory and Practice in Light of Back-Channel Negotiations

The Palestinian refugee problem is considered one of the most intractable and complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This article examines the gaps between Israel and the Palestinians concerning the Palestinian refugee problem and considers whether back-channel diplomacy can help promote possible lasting solutions. To answer this question, several sets of peace negotiations are presented that involved back-channel communications and offered possible solutions to the problem. These include the Camp David II summit in 2000 (including the Taba talks of 2001), the intensive back-channel negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu-Mazen (2006-2008) ongoing when the 2007 Annapolis Conference was held, and the Kerry Proposals of 2016. The main argument is that back-channel negotiations may contribute to a solution to conflicts involving issues of human dignity and responsibility, like the issue of the Palestinian refugees.