The mosaic of recognition for a Palestinian state is coming full circle. Three critical European countries have formally indicated their willingness to endorse statehood, and believe that it is indispensable for perpetual and permanent peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The genocide underway over the besieged enclave of Gaza has broken the partisan divide, and now an overwhelming populace in the West are convinced that the modus operandi of barbarism unleashed by Israel is in need of being checked. Norway, a US ally and one who brokered the Oslo accords for reconciliation, has called it a day and has put its weight behind recognising the Palestinian state. This is a breakthrough of sorts and confirms that the adamant attitude of the US and Israel is costing them their prestige and leadership.
More to join the bandwagon of recognition soon are Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Malta. Madrid is too important an EU member to have a change of heart, and it has a huge heterogeneous population and was seen close to the Zions. So is the case with France which had delayed recognition for reasons of proximity with Washington. With these new members on the side of a hapless nation, the total strength of sovereign states to back an independent homeland will grow to 148 out of 193. This puts the US on the mat, questioning its rationale of siding with the aggressor and usurper. The bloodshed in Gaza for the last seven months has impacted public opinion, and the revulsion in some of the bona-fide varsities around the world, especially in the US, is a reflection of rising consciousness.
The recent adoption of a resolution for full membership to Palestine was the first step in the right direction, and now is the time to prevail over the veto prerogative and let freedom be realised. As argued by Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, “…a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region”, and cannot be delayed any further. Time for Washington to stop shying behind the excuse of direct parleys between Israel and Palestinians, and put its foot down for recognition.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2024.
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