 |
| Many countries say they will only recognise a Palestinian state as part of a long-term political solution |
As fighting and suffering continue in Gaza and violence escalates in the West Bank, the prospects of the Palestinian people gaining their own state may seem more distant than ever.
The recent decision by several European countries to formally recognize the existence of a Palestinian state will not eliminate the significant obstacles to this ambition. However, the declarations by Ireland, Spain, and Norway will exert pressure on other European countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, to support Palestinian self-determination.
“This is extremely significant,” said one Arab diplomat. “It reflects European frustration with the Israeli government’s refusal to listen and puts pressure on the EU to follow suit.”
Israeli ministers argue that this recognition will encourage Hamas and reward terrorism, thereby reducing the chances of a negotiated settlement.
Currently, around 139 countries formally recognize a Palestinian state. On May 10, 143 out of 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, a status reserved only for states. Palestine currently holds an enhanced observer status at the UN, allowing them a seat but not a vote in the assembly. Various international organizations, including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, also recognize Palestine.
A minority of European countries already recognize a Palestinian state, including Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria (since 1988), and others like Sweden, Cyprus, and Malta. However, many European nations and the United States assert they will recognize a Palestinian state only as part of a long-term political solution to the Middle East conflict, often referred to as the ‘two-state solution,’ where Israelis and Palestinians each have their own states with defined borders.
European countries and the US differ on the timing of recognizing a Palestinian state. Ireland, Spain, and Norway argue that recognizing it now could kick-start a political process, suggesting that a sustained solution to the current crisis requires both sides to have a political horizon. These countries are also responding to domestic political pressures to show more support for Palestinians.
Historically, many Western countries have viewed Palestinian statehood as a reward for a final peace agreement. However, in recent months, some European leaders, including UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, have shifted their positions, suggesting that early recognition of Palestinian statehood could help drive momentum towards a political settlement. In February, President Macron of France stated, “The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France.” Earlier this month, France supported Palestinian membership in the UN during the General Assembly vote.
The US has privately discussed this issue with European allies but remains cautious, seeking a clearer understanding of what the policy would entail in practice. The key debate is about the timing of recognizing a Palestinian state: whether it should occur when formal peace talks begin, when Israel and Saudi Arabia normalize relations, when Israel fails to undertake certain actions, or when Palestinians take specific actions. The aim is for the recognition of Palestine to be a significant diplomatic event.
“It is a big card that Western countries have to play,” said one Western official. “We don’t want to throw it away.”
However, recognizing a Palestinian state remains largely symbolic if it does not address critical concomitant questions: What should the borders be? Where should the capital be located? What steps should both sides take to make it happen? These are complex questions that have not been satisfactorily agreed upon or answered for decades.
As of today, a few more countries in Europe now believe there should be a Palestinian state. Supporters will celebrate this move, while opponents will criticize it. Unfortunately, the grim reality for Palestinians on the ground is unlikely to change in the immediate future.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment