The Arc: A Formal Structure for a Palestinian State

Research Summary

q       As a part of RAND’s continuing research on “How can an independent Palestinian state be made successful?” this study follows an earlier book on ‘Building a Successful Palestinian State’.

q       The present study provides a thoughtful framework for transportation and urban planning to foster economic and social development in the context of a rapidly growing population and currently inadequate physical infrastructure.

q       Palestine is already experiencing a severe population pressure. In addition, once a new state becomes reality, the country may expect a great number of large refugees. In this background, this study is of great significance in suggesting new options for creating an innovative infrastructure to effectively address the demands.

q       Examining Palestine’s current and future demographics, carrying capacity, and economic pressures, the study presents an innovative transportation system called ‘Arc’ linking Jenin in the northern West Bank to Gaza City and Gaza Airport, passing through Palestine’s major towns and cities.

q       The concept of the Arc treats Palestine as an urban space, addressing a wide range of issues like water carriage; communications and power lines; gas and fuel pipelines; and transportation. Over and above, the Arc is expected to become a tangible symbol of Palestinian statehood and progress.

q       As a valuable addition to this, the book also considers a range of related policy challenges, with special reference to the issue of immigration to a new state by Palestinian refugees and others currently living outside the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel.

q       At a point when a critical majority of Palestinians, Israelis, and the International community seriously look towards a negotiated settlement leading to an independent Palestinian state, the study contains certain valuable insights to move forward.

q       Since research and planning in advance of political developments is a critical need to make the process successful, the study becomes a matter of great interest to the Palestinian and Israeli communities, policymakers, and all those who shall contribute to the formation of a new Palestinian state.

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