Last week, in a coordinated move following extensive deliberations, the governments of Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced their intention to recognise the state of Palestine on the 28th of May. This decision, rooted in each nation's historical engagement with Middle East diplomacy, signals a shift in the geopolitical landscape concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Norway, notable for its role in the 1990s Oslo Accords, emphasised the necessity of supporting moderate voices amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre underscored the importance of sustaining the prospect of a two-state solution as a political alternative for peace and security.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza, highlighting the urgency to protect the two-state solution from being undermined by force. Sánchez stressed the use of political means to preserve this solution as the only just and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed optimism that other countries would follow suit in recognising Palestinian statehood, reaffirming Ireland's full recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace and security. Harris also called for the immediate return of hostages in Gaza.
The formal recognition by Norway, Spain, and Ireland is not unprecedented among European nations; Sweden recognised Palestinian statehood in October 2014, with its foreign minister asserting the importance of Palestinian self-determination. 143 of the 193Â UN member states have recognised Palestinian statehood since 1988.
The recognitions from EU member states signify a potential erosion of the United States' dominant role in the Israel-Palestine peace process since the Oslo Accords. With the peace process largely stagnant, Palestinian officials have increasingly sought European support, especially during the Trump era when the U.S. moved its embassy to Jerusalem and brokered the Abraham Accords, sidelining Palestinian interests.
Countries like Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and Spain have historically supported Palestinian aspirations. The UK has also hinted at possible recognition amidst growing frustration over Israel's lack of progress towards a two-state solution, particularly during Netanyahu's tenure, marked by continued and record settlement expansion.
Hugh Lovatt from the European Council on Foreign Relations suggests that recognition by these European states provides a significant step towards Palestinian self-determination and a viable political track. This recognition is crucial for securing Arab engagement in supporting a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, as reflected in Saudi Arabia's calls for U.S. and European recognition of Palestine.
While the momentum towards recognition could bolster Palestinian civil society, it also presents challenges for the Palestinian Authority (PA), led by the unpopular and ageing Mahmoud Abbas. The Palestinian Authority PA, criticised for corruption and lack of democratic legitimacy, may struggle to translate these diplomatic victories into tangible improvements in the West Bank, where conditions remain dire.
Nonetheless, recognition reaffirms the Palestinians' right to self-determination, independent of Israeli consent, challenging the longstanding premise of U.S. mediation since Oslo.
Israel faces increasing diplomatic isolation, exacerbated by recent recognitions, arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, and investigations of the International Court of Justice for alleged war crimes and genocide. The U.S., UK, and other countries have also imposed sanctions on violent settlers and far-right groups.
The recognition by key European countries compounds the pressure on Netanyahu’s government, already strained by internal fractures and growing international condemnation. This development raises questions about the sustainability of Netanyahu's administration amidst escalating diplomatic challenges.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries marks a pivotal moment in the Israel-Palestine conflict, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts and potential implications for future peace efforts. As more countries consider similar moves, the dynamics of the conflict and the prospects for a two-state solution may undergo significant transformation.
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