On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia made a significant diplomatic move by formally recognizing Palestinian statehood in separate but coordinated statements. This announcement marks a significant breakthrough, a part of a swelling wave of international support. Countries like Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Malta are following New Zealand and Liechtenstein’s lead, bringing the total of United Nations member states that recognize Palestine to 147.
Ms. Lee’s recognition comes as tensions in the region continue to increase. This is especially significant given that the United States and Israel have agreed to boycott the meetings in advance of a critical UN conference on a two-state solution. The US State Department has lobbied vigorously to prevent Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from addressing the UN. Nonetheless, they have stopped granting him the scientific visas he needs. Now it’s time for the UN General Assembly to take decisive action. Beyond party lines, they voted 145 to five – the margin allowing Abbas to address them via video-link.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer articulated the urgency behind the recognition, stating, “In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither.”
The unified timing of this announcement by these nations certainly puts the pressure on other countries that have so far been unwilling to commit. Germany, Italy and a few other Baltic states are still the biggest holdouts in recognizing Palestine’s statehood. Yet increasing pressure within Italy’s new coalition government suggests a move is afoot that would jeopardize potential Italian involvement and might invite further diplomatic fallout with the US.
As diplomatic relations evolve, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that any future peace plan must include securing Gaza through a UN-mandated international force. To discuss this strategy in greater detail, he suggested a delegation trip together to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persisted, demanding that Macron first drop his recognition proposal.
Macron had previously expressed his worries about Israel’s unrelenting campaign against Gaza. He said in an appearance on Israel’s Channel 12 that if Netanyahu continues the current offensive, he will fail to achieve its stated aims. First, he focused on how this would eventually further weaken Israel’s position in the region.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. The international community is calling on all stakeholders to bring together more than $200 million (£148 million) over the next six months. This funding should be part of an emergency aid package directed at stabilizing the Palestinian Authority (PA). This humanitarian relief effort is critical to avoiding an impending collapse of Palestinian governance on the West Bank.
The United Arab Emirates has been vocal about considering any annexation plans a red line. These kinds of actions could seriously risk the countries’ commitments to regional integration. The UAE’s current position is a logical continuation of its decision to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords in 2020.
Israel’s recent announcements of plans for thousands of new settlements in the E1 corridor of the West Bank are especially provocative. Those expansions would split Palestinian areas in half and cut them off from East Jerusalem. First up, France’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, Norway and Spain. Combined, they are moving to preempt Israeli actions that threaten to financially starve the PA by cutting off billions of dollars at Israel’s ministry of finance.
Countries are right now struggling behind the scenes with their positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the same time, US officials are increasingly highlighting a new US approach to diplomacy. A spokesperson for the US State Department stated: “Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region that is only possible free from Hamas.”