On the eve of the UN General Assembly, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised Palestine. Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands are following suit. To date, more than 150 nations have recognized the state of Palestine, but it has not yet been able to break through the observer status at the UN due to the US veto.
Why now?
The main factor is the war in Gaza. The war crimes accusation against Israel, the public pressure and the humanitarian crisis are forcing the Western governments to reconsider their policy of waiting for negotiations with Israel, something which has not occurred in more than a decade.
Is Palestine a state?
Technically, the Montevideo Convention (1933) requirements are partially met: there is a population but not definite borders and no government (the West Bank is ruled by the PNA, Gaza by Hamas). Most countries, however, continue to view recognition as an option, as with other disputed cases.
Why do the Palestinians want this?
Recognition strengthens their position. It will allow them to invoke Israel’s behavior as a violation of the territorial integrity of a second state, pave the way to accession to international bodies and imposition of sanctions on Israel’s policy of occupation.
What is the US and Israel doing?
Netanyahu rejects the ‘two-state’ concept and talks about annexing the West Bank. The US remains the main obstacle to Palestinian membership in the UN and is putting pressure on its allies, calling recognition an ‘anti-Israel move.’
Will this stop the war?
No. Recognizing Palestine is more a pressure tool on Israel. For the Palestinians, it is a symbolic step ahead. For Israel and the US, it is a sign that they are prepared to fight fiercely.
