Recognising the Palestinian State, Pg 17.

Key Highlights:

• France recently recognized Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly, following similar moves by the UK, Canada, and Australia.
• Portugal, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco have also affirmed their recognition of the State of Palestine.
• Israel has criticized the recognitions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it an "absurd prize for terrorism".
• Increased diplomatic recognition alone is unlikely to alter the course of the war in Gaza without decisive action against Israel.

Detailed Insights:

• The recognition of Palestine strengthens its capacity to conduct inter-state relations, allowing the Palestinian Authority to lobby for an end to the conflict.
• Israel practically occupies 100% of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, hindering the establishment of a functional Palestinian state.
• Conservative estimates suggest that 10% of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured, further threatening the viability of Palestinian statehood.
• The Palestinian Authority (PA) has limited control in parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while Hamas governs Gaza under an Israeli blockade.
• European states are gradually limiting arms exports to Israel, but the United States continues to provide unconditional military support.
• Netanyahu has asserted that a Palestinian State will never be established and that he has prevented its establishment for years.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Palestinian Authority (PA): The interim self-government body established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Two-State Solution: A proposed resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that involves the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
• Montevideo Convention: Defines the criteria for statehood in international law, including a defined territory, permanent population, government, and capacity to enter into relations with other states.