The State of Palestine is currently recognized by 143 countries around the world. Recently, Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their decision to formally recognize Palestine as a state, adding to this growing list. This decision is seen as a significant step in the international recognition of Palestine and has the potential to influence other European Union (EU) countries.
European Recognition and Its Impact
The announcement by Norway, Spain, and Ireland has prompted Israel to immediately recall its envoys to these countries for “urgent consultations.” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Israel will not overlook this in silence.” Additionally, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to halt the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority, a move that could have serious economic implications for the Palestinians.
The recognition by these three European countries is part of a broader trend, with other EU nations like Slovenia, Malta, and Belgium also considering recognizing Palestinian statehood. Currently, 12 European countries recognize Palestine, and this growing support within Europe could place pressure on other EU members to follow suit. This collective European stance could significantly shift the dynamics within the EU regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Future of Palestine
The future of Palestine is complex and hinges on various international and regional factors. The recent recognitions by Norway, Spain, and Ireland symbolize a growing frustration within Europe regarding the stalled peace process and the ongoing conflict. These recognitions could serve as a catalyst for renewed diplomatic efforts towards a two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestine existing peacefully alongside Israel.
However, this development has also triggered strong reactions from Israel and the United States. Israel’s government views these recognitions as rewarding terrorism, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts involving Hamas. The U.S., traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, maintains that Palestinian statehood should come through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. President Joe Biden and his administration oppose unilateral recognition, emphasizing that it should be part of a negotiated settlement addressing critical issues like borders and the status of Jerusalem.
Whereas, entire world witnessed that for almost Seven-Decades, Israel has occupied Palestine and kept on pushing Arabs out of their home land and concentrated in two small pocket: Gaza Strip and West Bank. Where it is easy for Israel to execute genocide of Palestinians. According to Camp David Agreement, the two state solution was signed 3 decades ago, but, yet not implemented. Furthermore there are several UNSC resolutions for the right of self-determination for people of Palestine, but, Israel denied to implement all of them. The recent human crisis in Gaza, is beyond tolerance of international community and almost all International organizations, and platforms are raising their voice for the protection of human lives in Gaza and state hood of People of Palestine. Public around the globe including US, Europe, and Israel, there are protests and demonstration in favor of Palestine.
U.S. and Israeli Reactions
The U.S. response to the growing support for Palestinian statehood has been cautious. President Biden and his National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, have reiterated that the path to Palestinian statehood should involve direct negotiations. They have also warned Israel against punitive measures such as withholding funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing that such actions could exacerbate the conflict.
Israel’s response has been marked by strong opposition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions, labeling them as a “reward for terror.” Israeli officials have warned that these moves could embolden militant groups and further complicate peace efforts. Despite these tensions, the recognitions by European countries reflect a broader international shift towards supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
Deadly fighting
Fierce fighting has raged around Rafah, the last part of Gaza to face a ground invasion, where an AFP team reported more bombardment early Wednesday. Heavy battles have also rocked Gaza’s northern and central areas where Hamas forces have regrouped, and more Israeli strikes have hit Gaza City, Jabalia and Zeitun. Israel said its troops were fighting on the ground in Rafah and Jabalia, and three more soldiers were killed on Wednesday, bringing the army’s toll since the ground offensive began on October 27 to 287.
Ten people were killed in the central town of Al-Zawaida overnight, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said, and Gaza’s civil defence agency said six bodies were recovered from the rubble of a house in Jabalia. Israel’s military said soldiers had carried out targeted raids on dozens of Hamas military compounds in Jabalia. The World Health Organization has said northern Gaza’s last two functioning hospitals, Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan, were besieged, trapping more than 200 patients.
Israeli troops began their ground assault on Rafah early this month, defying international opposition over fears for the more than one million civilians trapped there.
Israel ordered mass evacuations from Rafah, and the UN says more than 800,000 people have fled. Heavy fighting has also rocked the other major Palestinian territory, the occupied West Bank, where an Israeli raid entered its second day in the city of Jenin. The Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry said Israeli forces had killed 10 people since the fighting began on Tuesday morning.
Conclusion
The decision by Norway, Spain, and Ireland to recognize the State of Palestine marks a significant moment in international diplomacy. It highlights the growing support for Palestinian statehood and the increasing frustration with the lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While these recognitions are largely symbolic, they signal a potential shift in international policy that could influence other nations to follow suit.
The future of Palestine remains uncertain, but the growing international recognition and support could pave the way for renewed diplomatic efforts and a push towards achieving a sustainable two-state solution. The sustainable, durable and permanent solution will be creation of state of Palestine from River to Sea, combining Gaza Strip with West Bank, with its Capital at Jerusalem. Israel must restrict to its borders of Pre-1967 war, and all occupied Arab land have to return back. It will transform the entire region a peaceful region and contribute toward global peace and security. As the situation evolves, the international community will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the path forward for both Palestinians and Israelis. Time is mature to resolve this long awaited solution to implement on ground. International community has determined to move forward with a peace plan.
