An Invitation to Join a Collaborative Effort
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led many to call for peace, but history shows that even ceasefires are often short-lived without a more comprehensive plan. This is why we’re exploring the idea of a Gaza Marshall Plan—a potential framework for rebuilding and fostering lasting peace.
While this project hasn’t been formally requested by any official authority, we view it as a form of Track II Diplomacy—a parallel process that complements the ongoing efforts of governments, NGOs, and international bodies. Our aim is not only to contribute meaningfully by demonstrating how negotiation and collaboration through tools like Smartsettle Infinity can support peace and reconstruction but also to eventually influence real decision-makers in Track I Diplomacy. Ideally, our process will be recognized as a superior approach to achieving lasting peace and cooperation.
Is Peace Possible?
If you're skeptical that peace is possible, take a moment to listen to this powerful conversation between two people—Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon—who have every reason to be enemies, yet refuse to let anger and revenge guide their actions. They understand that revenge only deepens the nightmare of conflict, and instead, they have chosen a different path. This is a conversation that will inspire you to think differently about what is possible. Watch, reflect, and join them in imagining a future built on peace, not division.
This isn’t just about setting aside differences; it’s about deeply engaging with the opposing narrative, learning from generational pain, and working together to build a shared future. These two visionary leaders are driven by their experiences but refuse to let their anger become a weapon. Aziz and Maoz know that the only way forward is through forgiveness, collaboration, and a commitment to creating something better for future generations. They stand as living proof that the path to peace, while difficult, is possible. By listening to each other’s stories and aligning their efforts, they’ve developed a vision fueled by shared values. Together, they are stronger than they could ever be alone—and they show us that peace and understanding are within reach when we dare to dream, collaborate, and lead with compassion. (Still not persuaded?: Here's another angle.)
What Is the Gaza Marshall Plan?
The Gaza Marshall Plan is modeled after the historical Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after WWII. However, in this case, our aim is to focus on Gaza—its people, its economy, and its future. This process involves building frameworks for ceasefire agreements, economic redevelopment, humanitarian access, and more, while ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are considered.
We are using Smartsettle Infinity, a collaborative negotiation platform, to model different stakeholder preferences and see how we can reach outcomes that work for everyone. It’s an exploration of how advanced technology can assist in addressing complex conflicts and uncovering solutions that traditional negotiation methods might miss.
Why a Parallel Process?
Our efforts are not meant to replace any ongoing official processes, but rather to complement them. We believe that having a model of negotiation—where diverse perspectives are considered, and optimal solutions are found—can provide valuable insights to those working on official solutions. By running this as a parallel process, we hope to:
Provide a demonstration of how consensus-building tools like Smartsettle Infinity can be used in real-world negotiations.
Offer new ideas and approaches that might support the work of officials and international bodies engaged in the peace process.
Involve a broader audience, allowing for diverse voices and perspectives to contribute to this important dialogue.
Proof of Concept
In order to demonstrate how Smartsettle Infinity could be applied to the real-life Gaza Marshall Plan negotiations we have run a simple simulation of the process using volunteers and preference information that was publicly available. The simulation brought together various perspectives, including those of humanitarian organizations, local communities, and international stakeholders in order to explore what a path toward peace and reconstruction might look like, and how technology can help in finding a way forward. We recognize that this is an ambitious project, and we’re approaching it with the understanding that peacebuilding requires patience, collaboration, and a willingness to explore new ideas. Posted below is what we've produced so far.
Gaza Marshall Plan Negotiation Simulation: Palestinian Point of View
(updated on Sep 21, 2024)
How You Can Participate
We invite you to join us in this exploratory effort. Whether you’re an expert in peacebuilding, a community member with local insights, or simply someone interested in fostering collaboration, your contributions are welcome. Here’s how you can get involved:
Get Acquainted: Review what we've done so far:
Proposal to apply Smartsettle Infinity to the Gaza Marshall Plan negotiations
Watch the Proof of Concept simulation linked above
Stay Updated: Attend our events and come back here from time to time and follow our progress as we build on what we've created so far. Contact us if you wish to be invited.
Join the Conversation: Join discussions and share your thoughts and ideas. We’re always open to feedback and suggestions from people who are passionate about finding solutions for Gaza.
Contribute Your Knowledge: If you have expertise in conflict resolution, infrastructure rebuilding, or any related field, your insights could enhance our work. We need knowledgeable people to help us improve the realism of our simulation and scale it up.
Become a Smartsettle Facilitator: By the time we reach the real decision makers we will need a cadre of skilled facilitators to assist the parties in modeling the real negotiation problem and accurately representing their preferences.
A Shared Vision for Peace
Our hope is that by working together in this parallel process, we can contribute new perspectives and help strengthen the efforts of those already working toward peace in Gaza. This is not just a theoretical exercise—it’s a demonstration of how negotiation, technology, and collaboration can bring us closer to a peaceful future. We invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we can explore innovative ways to rebuild, restore, and move toward a more peaceful world.
Better peace, sooner.
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