Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
Recently, at the UN General Assembly, France became the latest global power to recognize Palestine statehood, a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia did so.
- New recognitions – F rance, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, and Andorra all announced their recognition of Palestine.
- Growing international support – This wave of recognition increased the total number of UN member states that recognize Palestine to 157, or approximately 81% of all members.
India recognized Palestine as a state in November 1988, making it one of the first countries to do so.
- U.S. position – The U.S. government remains opposed to unilateral recognition and has historically vetoed resolutions for Palestine's full UN membership, stating that a Palestinian state must be achieved through direct negotiation with Israel.
- New York Declaration – The latest moves at the UN followed the General Assembly's approval of the New York Declaration in mid– September 2025.
- Strong support – The resolution, which calls for a two– state solution, was endorsed by 142 countries.
- Key provisions – It included some of the UN's strongest language against Hamas while also condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. The declaration also outlines a roadmap for a two– state solution.
- U.S. and Israeli opposition – Both Israel and the U.S. boycotted the summit where the declaration was finalized.
Recognition of Palestinian statehood
- As per International Law Criteria to be classified as a state, an entity must have defined territory, permanent population, government, capacity to enter relations with other states.
- More countries recognising Palestine practically strengthens one of these.
- Territorial control – Israel controls 100% of Palestinian territories through occupation of West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
- Settlement construction and annexation proposals threaten Palestinian territorial claims.
- Population and humanitarian crisis – Estimates of casualties in Gaza indicate that around 10% of the population is either killed or injured, with total deaths exceeding 65,000.
- Over a million people in Gaza face famine amid ongoing bombardment.
- Palestinian Authority (PA) – PA acts as have the legal (de jure) recognition to govern certain areas in parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, but Israel maintains actual (de facto) control.
- Hamas' role in Gaza – Governs Gaza under Israeli blockade since 2007, complicating statehood and governance prospects.
- Calls for reform – There are demands for reform from the PA and disarmament of Hamas, though the latter remains rejected.
- Implications for Palestinian statehood – Increased recognition helps the PA in international lobbying efforts, but sovereignty remains limited due to Israel’s military control.
- Despite greater recognition of statehood, immediate changes to the conflict dynamics in Gaza are limited.
Reference
The Indian express| Developments in Recognition of Palestine
