Several countries are recognizing Palestine as a state. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, France and Canada, two G7 members, are going to recognize Palestine as an independent state soon, while several other countries including Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized it in 2024. The United Kingdom — another crucial member of the G7 — also declared to recognize Palestine depending on the response of Israel to the ceasefire on the Gaza war, which has been going on for around two years. The recognition moves of European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Mark Carney are surely positive developments but how much this will work and end the crisis remains unclear.
The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is not new at all. Many countries, more than 140 countries including Russia and China, have in the meantime recognized Palestine as a state, reflecting the two-state solution that has been so far considered to be the most desirable solution to the Israel-Palestine crisis, which commenced since the partition in Palestine in 1948. But the latest recognition move of several powerful western countries at the time of uncertain Gaza peace efforts, continued Israeli attacks and killings and growing demand within Israel to end the war and bring back hostages bears significance and can help end the Gaza war and find a lasting solution to it. While their recognition will put pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire deal, which is being mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, it will probably help lead to a lasting solution to the Gaza war.
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But there are geopolitical and other challenges. While Israel has been mostly unwilling to recognize the statehood of Palestine — despite various peace efforts in the past — and opposing such a move many times and there is a lack of the recognition of it from the United States, a crucial power and the main ally of Israel. Pertinently saying, in response to the latest declaration of recognizing Palestine, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, said the move “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism” while the United States said that such a move will make it difficult to make a possible trade deal with Canada. Yet the latest European move has significance and will increase the chance of a lasting solution to the crisis.
But the independent statehood of Palestine is not unreasoned at all, pertinently saying. If Palestine is not a part of Israel and any other country, it ethically and automatically turns out to be an independent state. The division of the then Palestine through the UN Resolution 181, also known as the UN Partition Plan for Palestine, in 1947 itself also recognizes the two sates in that territory. Consequently, different international organizations and countries including the United States have been making efforts for a two-state solution, though many subsequent developments including the 1967 Six-Day War, continued Israeli settlements and frequent clashes between Israel and Palestine have made things more complicated.
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But a pertinent aspect is whether the statehood of Palestine will be a significant security threat to Israel. Such a possibility is low — even if Palestine becomes a fully independent country and has a fully developed military force. This is probably because of several reasons including the relative power of Israel, which has not only been waging the Gaza war but also carried out attacks against Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, and the significant weakening of Hamas. Many Israelis including former political leaders and high-profile security personnel have rightly understood it and indicated, in their letter to US president Donald Trump, that there are no more threats from the group.
Ending the Gaza war is desired. For this, the ongoing Gaza peace process in Doha is desired to be continued. This promising ceasefire will help release Israeli hostages, save the lives of Palestinians and ensure more humanitarian supplies to Gaza, needed for hundreds of thousands of Gazans who are receiving less food and starving, along with putting an end to the Gaza war. But the emphasis also needs to be given to a two-state based lasting solution. The Gaza war reminds the importance of a lasting solution and peace. Otherwise, lasting peace is less likely.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
