In Emmanuel Macron’s recent tour of the UN’s main hall, he was seen embracing fellow leaders before addressing the assembly. This was a momentous occasion as France, alongside Britain, acknowledged Palestine’s sovereignty, a right Palestinians have long awaited. Macron emphasized that while ‘peace is much more demanding and challenging than war,’ the time for such a recognition has come. The recognition was met with applauds as Macron formally acknowledged the state of Palestine.
Yet, the joy of this moment contrasts starkly with the ongoing turmoil in Gaza and the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians persists. The French and British governments believe Israel is actively undermining the possibility of a Palestinian state, citing continuous attacks on Palestinians, land seizures, and relentless settlement construction as reasons for their concern. This situation has pushed them towards unilateral action, recognizing Palestine’s statehood to propel the stagnant peace process.
However, controversy surrounds this move. Palestinians, without a state of their own, are seen resorting to more extreme actions. The Israeli government argues that this recognition only encourages Hamas’s wicked extreme ideologies. Furthermore, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government actively working to weaken the Palestinians and oppose their statehood, Israel still enjoys Donald Trump’s support. Yet, shifting public opinions in America pose a significant challenge to this stance.
The global view on Palestine’s statehood is predominantly supportive, with more than three-quarters of the UN’s members and four out of five security council’s permanent members recognizing Palestine. This development complicates international relations, raising questions about the state’s defined borders and accountability for extremist actions within its jurisdiction. Despite these complexities, the recognition leaves Israel increasingly isolated on the international stage, a precarious position for a nation in such a challenging region.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/israel-is-increasingly-ostracised-and-no-matter-how-strong-its-army-its-not-a-good-place-to-be-13436492
