Rising international recognition of Palestine statehood

Last week, at the UN General Assembly, the UK, France, Canada and Australia recognised Palestine as an independent, sovereign state. With the latest development, 157 of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine as a sovereign, independent country. The acknowledgement of statehood of Palestine by countries that have been sympathetic to Israel in the past represents the growing international isolation of the Jewish state as well as the overwhelming, international opposition towards Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

At the recent Doha Summit, representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco – the Middle East nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accord – agreed to review diplomatic and economic relations with the beleaguered state.

In view of the massive international backlash Israel is facing as the war in Gaza escalates, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned his country could face isolation for years and has no choice but to stand on its own. Israel is currently encountering either partial or complete arms embargoes from France, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and Italy.

At least 67,000 people have been killed and another 167,000 have been wounded since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Some international observers have opined the recognition of statehood by few countries in the West as a mere face-saving exercise in the wake of growing worldwide displeasure about the severe humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place in the Middle East.

Despite the overwhelming international censure, the US, Israel’s biggest ally, is firmly backing the Middle East state. Although former President Joe Biden was expressing a sense of reservation in terms of providing unconditional support to Israel during the latter stages of his tenure, the Trump administration has adopted a markedly pro-Israel stance. 

Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly last month voted to endorse a Hamas-free government for Palestine. Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace with recognised borders has been advocated as the lasting and viable solution to one the most pressing and brutal conflicts in the world. However, Hamas has steadfastly refused to accept the existence of Israel. Many commentators in the Sri Lankan media who express their views about the conflict in the Middle East often overlook the atrocities committed by Hamas. Tactics and ideology of Hamas and its backers have been recognised as the foremost obstacle to peace in the region. In fact, the devastating two-year-long war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched an attack on Israel, in which 1,195 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 815 civilians, were killed while 251 were taken hostage. 

Sri Lanka has been a staunch supporter of the cause of Palestine. The top political leaders of the NPP were enthusiastic supporters of Palestine before coming into power and opposed Israel vociferously. Nevertheless, critics have pointed out that since capturing power, the ruling political party has softened its stance on Israel. Surprisingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement about the Israeli airstrike on Qatar on 9 September did not even include the name of Israel.

The Trump administration shared a 21-point plan to bring permanent peace in Gaza few days ago on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It envisions the pathway for a state of Palestine while advocating for immediate release of Israeli hostages. Decisive and forceful action is imperative to bring lasting peace in the Middle East, and it requires sacrifices from both Israel and Palestine.