While speaking of the Palestinians, former Israeli foreign minister Abba Eban once stated that the “Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Once again, it seems that they are poised to live up to that unfortunate reputation.

The Trump administration has been working for some time on a plan for peace in the Middle East—a plan the president calls the “deal of the century.”[1] In a shrewd move toward gaining the attention of everyday Palestinians, the United States has chosen to roll out the economic portion of the peace plan at a conference in Bahrain prior to beginning the diplomatic negotiations. The hope is that the average Palestinian’s desire to experience a turnaround in their rampant unemployment and poverty and to see the development of infrastructure in the areas of transportation, water, power, and trade would move them to pressure a greater openness in the attitudes of their leaders. Unfortunately, that is not the case so far. In a statement made on May 27, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas said, “Trump’s ‘deal of the century’ will go to hell, as will the economic workshop in Bahrain that the Americans intend to hold and present illusions.”[2] But pressure from other Gulf countries may compel the PA to change its mind.

From June 25–26 in Manama, Bahrain, representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, and the United States will gather at a “Peace to Prosperity” economic workshop.[3] Also included on the invite list are a number of political representatives and business executives from around the globe.[4] The primary goal of this gathering will be to show the possibilities for growth and investment for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Peace in that area can turn around a failing political mindset that is based purely on hatred of Israel and a desire to push them into the sea. When Palestine’s hatred of Israel is greater than their love for their own people, it is impossible to develop a rational strategy toward growth.

But so far, the power of hate still outweighs the common-sense possibilities for prosperity. PA Social Development Minister Ahmed Majdalani firmly stated, “There will be no Palestinian participation in the Manama workshop.”[5] Further, he included a not-so-subtle threat toward any Palestinian businessman who might consider defying the PA’s boycott, saying, “Any Palestinian who would take part would be nothing but a collaborator for the Americans and Israel.”[6] Translation: if you attend, say good-bye to your business and possibly your life.

Continued efforts are being made to change the minds of the Palestinians. Even while Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain have all reiterated their unwavering support for Palestine to have their own state, these nations are still trying to convince Abbas and his people to see past their hatred to reality. The king of Bahrain sent a special envoy to Abbas in a failed attempt to change his mind.[7] In an open letter to President Abbas, a group of UAE businessmen pleaded with him to give up his stubborn decision to boycott the conference—a decision which is “short-sighted at best, self-defeating at worst.”[8] The PA’s desire to push Israel into the sea, they say, is fantasy and counter-productive. The letter goes on to assert, “Continuing hostilities is not a win-win for anyone but rather a fool’s game. Let us face it, neither Israelis nor Palestinians are going anywhere, and so it is incumbent upon decision-makers to ensure they can live side-by-side as partners in peace.”[9] What a blessing it has been to see Arabs taking this practical stance regarding Israel and Palestine.

There is less than one month left to convince the PA leadership to look beyond the emotional “now” into the pragmatic future. Our God can move the leaders of nations and peoples. Let’s pray that this will finally be the moment that the Palestinians do not miss an opportunity, so that we finally might see peace.

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[1] “Trump to Reveal Deal of the Century on 71st Anniversary of Palestine Nakba.” Middle East Monitor, 4 Apr. 2019, www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190404-trump-to-reveal-deal-of-the-century-on-71st-anniversary-of-palestine-nakba/.

[2] “Abbas Says Trump’s Peace Plan, Bahrain Workshop Will ‘Go to Hell.’” The Times of Israel, 28 May 2019, www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-says-trumps-peace-plan-bahrain-workshop-will-go-to-hell/.

[3] Nahmias, Omri, and Reuters. “UAE, Saudi Arabia to Attend U.S. Peace Conference in Bahrain.” The Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2019, www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/UAE-to-attend-US-peace-conference-in-Bahrain-590323.

[4]“Qatar Says Economic Conditions for Israeli-Palestinian Peace…” Reuters, 24 May 2019, www.reuters.com/article/us-qatar-palestinians-idUSKCN1SU2HU.

[5] Reuters and Israel Hayom Staff. “‘Any Palestinian That Attends Bahrain Conference Is a Collaborator for Americans, Israel.’” Israelhayom.com, 21 May 2019, www.israelhayom.com/2019/05/21/any-palestinian-that-attends-bahrain-conference-a-collaborator-for-americans-israel/.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ravid, Barak. “1 \ Palestinian President Abbas Met Last Night in Amman with a Special Envoy of the King of Bahrain Who Tried to Convince Him to Attend the U.S. Led Economic Conference in Manama.” Twitter, 30 May 2019, twitter.com/barakravid/status/1134030815250325505?s=21.

[8] Habtoor, Khalaf Al. “Abbas, Go to Bahrain. For Palestine’s Sake, and to Help Us Halt Iran | Opinion.” Haaretz.com, 29 May 2019, www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/.premium-abbas-go-to-bahrain-for-palestine-s-sake-and-to-help-us-halt-iran-1.7302748.

[9] Ibid.