Yesterday, Obama gave a major policy address in support of democracy in the Middle East and stressed the status quo was unsustainable. In a first for an American president, Obama verbalized the U.S.'s support for a two-state solution rooted in 1967 borders and a contiguous Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. "The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation," he said.

Fatah and Hamas' reconciliation agreement demonstrates Palestinians' commitment to creating a cohesive society in order to achieve statehood on contiguous land and stability for their people through civil resistance, international publicity and diplomatic engagement.
 
Palestinian reconciliation is good for Israel, too. If Israel is serious about wanting peace, then a Palestinian partner that is legitimate, particularly in terms of representation of all Palestinians, is in their interest. For far too long, the peace process has been monopolized by ruling elites. With the changes taking place in the region, the voices of average citizens must now be heard. Obama stressed America's commitment to Israel, but said plainly and directly that it is time for Israel to the face the fact that establishing a Palestinian state is a necessary step on the path towards peace, and he called on Israel to step up to the plate and act responsibly.
 
With enough political courage and foresight, the Obama administration can and should support the Palestinians' basic need for national unity as a crucial step in the path toward self-determination and a peace plan. The administration should take clear action by calling on Netanyahu to release the more than $90 million in tax revenue owed to Palestinian officials, which his government froze after the agreement was announced..
 
The idea of a trade-off between Palestinian reconciliation and peace is a fallacy, particularly when Israeli promoters of this idea are actively preventing Palestinians the opportunity to achieve either.

"Palestinians need both reconciliation and peace," recently said Arab American Institute President James Zogby. "They are working on the former. Now is the time for the U.S. and Israel to make a real contribution to advancing the latter."
 
Palestinians have taken peaceful and constructive action toward realizing their aspirations for self-determination. At the heart of Obama's message yesterday was strong support for the people across the Middle East who have waged a peaceful movement for political and economic change. Taking action to turn the president's verbal support for Palestinian statehood into real results is not optional. Otherwise we lose credibility before the very people we claim to be supporting.