Story perspectives

New Palestinian Constitution Dismisses Two-State Solution, Fuels Tensions

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's constitution-writing committee drafted a document that undermines hopes for a two-state solution.
The proposed constitution omits Jews and Israel and declares the State of Palestine judenrein.
It endorses the right of return for descendants of Arabs displaced in 1948, complicating the refugee crisis.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) pay-for-slay policy is formalized, funding families of convicted terrorists.

History

Historical Context

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was established in 1964, adopting its National Charter that rejected Israel's legitimacy and emphasized Palestinian nationalism. This charter claimed the right of return for over 700,000 Palestinian refugees displaced since 1948. Mahmoud Abbas's recent constitutional draft echoes these sentiments, complicating peace efforts and highlighting the enduring conflict over Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

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Story summary

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's constitution-writing committee drafted a document that undermines hopes for a two-state solution.
The proposed constitution omits Jews and Israel and declares the State of Palestine judenrein.
It endorses the right of return for descendants of Arabs displaced in 1948, complicating the refugee crisis.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) pay-for-slay policy is formalized, funding families of convicted terrorists.

1 / 2