Palestine’s recognition rises amid Gaza conflict

As Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip persists, an increasing number of countries have formally recognized the State of Palestine, bolstering its international standing.

Since Israel began its latest offensive on October 7 last year, the death toll in Gaza has reached 41,825 Palestinians, including nearly 17,000 children and 11,378 women, with around 97,000 others wounded.

In response to the escalating violence, several nations have recognized Palestine as an independent state. This move is seen as a significant symbolic gesture, signaling to Israel that its actions cannot continue unchecked. While international recognition alone may not immediately change the reality on the ground, it represents a shift that could influence future negotiations and the broader peace process.

The number of countries recognizing Palestine now stands at 146, following decisions by Spain, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Armenia, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados.

Growing Global Support

From Paris to Madrid and Stockholm to London, crowds have taken to the streets demanding their governments recognize Palestine. The growing support has intensified calls for a two-state solution, prompting several countries to reassess their positions on the issue.

Palestine’s recent recognition by Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and Norway marks a notable shift in Europe, where most Western nations—except Iceland and Sweden—had previously refrained from acknowledging Palestinian statehood.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the decision as “historic,” emphasizing that recognizing Palestine is not only about justice but also necessary for achieving peace. Ireland framed its recognition as a matter of supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

In April and May, four Caribbean nations—The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados—added their support, strengthening Palestine’s international backing. Colombia also followed suit, cutting diplomatic ties with Israel over the ongoing Gaza war and ordering the opening of an embassy in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

More Countries May Recognize Palestine

The wave of recognition for Palestine is expected to continue in Europe. France has indicated that recognizing Palestine is no longer a “taboo,” while Malta, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Finland have expressed readiness to act when the timing is right.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that strategic timing would be essential to promoting peace in the Middle East. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel stressed that recognition should go beyond symbolic gestures, calling for coordinated action among countries that have yet to take a stance.

International efforts to push for a two-state solution also remain active. High-level representatives from Muslim and Arab nations gathered in Spain on September 13, urging the international community to establish a roadmap for implementing a two-state solution in the Middle East.

Israel’s Pushback

As Palestine’s global recognition grows, Israel has responded by targeting countries that have formally acknowledged Palestine. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called the recognition a threat to Israel’s sovereignty and security, recalling ambassadors from Spain, Ireland, and Norway in response to their recent actions.

In a further retaliatory measure, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ordered the withholding of $35 million in tax revenues from Palestine, framing it as a punitive action against Palestinian leadership’s pursuit of international recognition without negotiations.

Path to Full UN Membership

While Palestine continues to strengthen its global recognition, its status at the UN remains a focal point. Recognized as a non-member observer state since 2012, Palestine has long sought full membership.

In a vote on May 10, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution acknowledging that Palestine meets the membership criteria outlined in Article 4 of the UN Charter. The resolution passed with overwhelming support, receiving 143 votes in favor, nine against, and 25 abstentions.

Although the resolution does not grant full membership, it calls on the UN Security Council to revisit Palestine’s application, further underscoring international backing for Palestinian self-determination.

Israel’s Illegal Occupation Documented

Alongside its actions in Gaza, Israel continues its illegal occupation of the West Bank. A ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, a case in which Türkiye also participated, reaffirmed that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law and must end.

Shahd Hammouri, a lecturer at Kent Law School in the UK, told Anadolu that Israel’s year-long Gaza war has contributed to the growing recognition of Palestine.

“From an international legal perspective, the illegalities committed by Israel have reached a point where there is no discussion. Any state claiming to uphold international law has no logical argument to deny Palestinian self-determination and to oppose Israel’s actions in Palestine,” Hammouri said.

She highlighted the West’s hesitancy to take a clear stance, particularly due to the influence of the U.S. and obligations tied to NATO membership.

“We see that the big U.S. scarecrow is one of the reasons why states are afraid to take a position, and there is also fear of abiding by NATO obligations,” Hammouri noted.

She criticized recognition decisions as being merely “symbolic,” stating that countries continue to allow arms sales and trade with Israel, which enables its actions.

Hammouri referred to this as international “hypocrisy.”

“We see a lot of hypocrisy and many diplomatic empty words that do not exert pressure on Israel nor match the level of catastrophe we are witnessing.”

No Change Among Those With the Power to Effect Change

While public support for Palestine grows, Hammouri observed that the same change has not occurred among “the people who have the privilege and capacity to change things.”

“That is the problem. Public support is increasing among the youth and the working class, with much more understanding of the Israeli project and clarity about settler colonization, genocide, and who the Palestinians are.

“As a teacher, I can see the difference in my students’ understanding, especially in a place like the UK. However, the main issue is that millions have protested, with a minimum of 10,000 people each week in the UK. Yet, the UK’s position remains repetitive, standing with Israel’s right to defend itself, which, from an international legal perspective, it does not have against Palestine. The International Court of Justice has stated this countless times, yet politicians keep repeating it.”

Hammouri argued that Israel’s role as a base for U.S. geopolitical interests in the Middle East explains why stronger international actions have not been taken.

“Israel is not even representing itself; it represents the U.S. geopolitical position in the Middle East. It acts as an outpost for U.S. interests in the region.

“The U.S. decisions to support Israel are not based on public opinion or international law; they are made entirely on the premises of geopolitics and economics, serving to maintain the status quo,” she added.