The recognition of Palestine: Western unity is collapsingRT
The ongoing armed conflict in Gaza, along with the intensification of Israeli military operations against Palestinians – including in the West Bank – has provoked growing concern and condemnation from the international community.
In the face of inaction by leading international institutions – which continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access – criticism of double standards has intensified, and public trust in the global community’s ability to stop the violence and uphold the rights of conflict victims is rapidly eroding.
Even among Israel’s Western allies, discontent with the actions of the Israeli authorities is becoming more pronounced. Large-scale military operations resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties have triggered sharp reactions not only from international organizations but also within Western societies themselves. Regular mass protests in major cities across Europe and North America are increasing pressure on political leaders, compelling them to reassess their stance and respond to the demands of their citizens.
Under the influence of mounting public pressure, some countries have already taken concrete diplomatic steps. On May 28, 2024, Norway, Spain, and Ireland formally recognized Palestine as an independent state – an act that resonated widely and set a precedent for other nations in the region.
At this juncture, calls are growing louder for similar steps to be taken by two key European powers: France and the United Kingdom. Both countries are facing escalating domestic and international pressure, which may hasten the process of Palestinian recognition and shift the balance on the diplomatic front of the Middle East conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already announced his intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine on behalf of France during his address to the United Nations General Assembly this September. He made the announcement via X, emphasizing that the decision reflects France’s unwavering commitment to justice and the pursuit of a lasting peace in the Middle East.
The French leader underscored the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected civilian population. To further demonstrate the seriousness of his intentions, he also released a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming France’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
If France follows through with this step, it will become the largest and most influential member state of the European Union to recognize Palestine as an independent state. According to the Associated Press, the State of Palestine has already been recognized by more than 140 UN member countries, including major powers such as Russia, China, India, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, and Poland.
Macron’s announcement marks a potential turning point in European diplomacy and may serve as a catalyst for similar moves by other major states. Indeed, calls for the recognition of Palestine have also gained momentum in London.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country is prepared to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, should Israel fail to take concrete and meaningful steps to end the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. This statement came amid mounting international pressure and growing criticism of the IDF’s actions.
Starmer emphasized that the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood would be a response to the Israeli government’s inaction, should it fail to demonstrate a clear political will to de-escalate the conflict.
In particular, the Prime Minister called on Israel to implement an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and to revive efforts toward a sustainable peace process based on the principle of “two states for two peoples.” He noted that only a return to a credible prospect of two sovereign states coexisting peacefully could bring an end to the ongoing violence and suffering of the civilian population.
Among the additional conditions set forth by the British side are: the provision of humanitarian access to Gaza under UN auspices and a halt to Israeli annexation efforts in the West Bank. According to Starmer, adherence to these conditions would signal Israel’s readiness for a political resolution, while disregarding them would indicate that the international community must act independently in the interest of peace and justice.
Following the announcements from France and the United Kingdom, several other countries have also declared their intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine, further strengthening international support for the two-state solution as the foundation for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Ottawa will recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly. According to him, Canada has long supported a resolution based on the peaceful coexistence of two states – Israeli and Palestinian – within a framework of security and mutual recognition.
Carney stressed that the actions of the Israeli government, which have led to a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, are met with deep condemnation by Canadian authorities.
He also noted that Mahmoud Abbas has provided assurances that elections will be held in the Palestinian territories in 2026, in which the Hamas movement will not participate.
Israel’s response to these international initiatives has been sharply negative. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decisions of Canada and other countries, calling them “a reward for Hamas” and “a blow to efforts to establish a ceasefire.”
What makes the current situation around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict particularly unique is that the decisions by France, the UK, and Canada to recognize the State of Palestine are not occurring in a vacuum – they are unfolding against the backdrop of profound shifts in global politics, most notably the deepening rift within the so-called “collective West.” The return of Donald Trump to the White House has heightened tensions between Washington and its traditional European allies, directly impacting the foreign policy priorities of those countries.
Thus, the actions taken by Paris, London, and Ottawa should be seen not only as a response to mounting domestic pressure and public discontent over the situation in Gaza, but also as part of a broader struggle to shape an independent and sovereign position on the international stage. It is increasingly clear that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long ceased to be merely a regional issue – it has historically served as a stage for wider geopolitical rivalry, and the current developments only reaffirm this reality.
The Muslim world, particularly Arab states, has also played a pivotal role in this coalition. Despite varying relationships with Israel, these countries are increasingly speaking with one voice in defense of Palestinians, especially in response to the devastation in Gaza and the mounting civilian death toll.
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