Bildt wrote in a debate article in Dagens Nyheter on Thursday that there are four steps necessary in order to achieve enduring peace in Gaza.

"With these four principles as a base, an agreement about Gaza could lead to an immediate stop for missiles, bombs, tunnels and killing, and also act as a bridge to a more thorough agreement about the two-state solution for which we have worked so long." 

First, the blockade must go.

"One of the blockade's most substantial effects has been to destroy Gaza's economy," Bildt asserted. 

He wrote that Gaza's exports are only 2 percent of what they were before the blockade, and that it has made the city dependent on an economy of smuggling – largely controlled by Hamas.

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Second, Israel's legitimate security concerns must be addressed. "No nation would tolerate being subjected to indiscriminate missile attacks," Bildt said. 

Bildt's third principle for a solution in Gaza was that the city must "clearly become a part of the Palestinian administration". The minister said that this was also a prerequisite for international aid and rebuilding efforts once the crisis is resolved.

In addition, demilitarization of Gaza must be demlitarized and Israel must hold free democratic elections for the Palestinian administration within the next year.

Finally, a long-term solution must include Gaza's right to become "the future State of Palestine's window to the Mediterranean and in major regards its doorway to the world".

Bildt added that connections with the West Bank must be opened and developed in such a way that does not threaten Israeli security. 

"Much of the debate right now focuses on how much of the blame one side or the other should take," Bildt remarked.

"But I believe we can only go forward if we realize that both sides also are right in important regards. And focus our efforts on building a more long-term agreement based on the four principles I have laid out here."

"Then this unnecessary war can lead to necessary peace."