Syllabus:

GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. 

Context: Recently, France recognised Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly, following similar moves by the UK, Canada, and Australia.

More on the News

• Portugal, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco have also confirmed their recognition of the State of Palestine.

Palestinian state

• The 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States is a treaty that outlines the standard criteria for an entity to be a “State” under international law. The four principal requirements: 

• A defined territory 
• A permanent population
• A functioning government
• The capacity to enter into  relations with other states

Factors Behind the Recognition

• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Over 2 million Gaza residents are facing dire food shortages, with many reported starvation-related deaths. Israel’s refusal to allow international organisations to manage and distribute aid is a major factor in this.

• Means to Pressure Israel: The prospect of recognising Palestine is being used as a political tool to influence Israel’s actions in Gaza, including securing a ceasefire and ending the blockade on humanitarian aid. 

• Global Opinion: The recognition momentum has been driven by public outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with images of starving children sparking global condemnation.

• The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed body, has officially declared famine in Gaza City.

• Growing Support for Palestinian State: The announcements by these nations follow a high-level UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Significance of the Recognition

• British Role: The UK’s announcement is especially historic as it played a foundational role in the establishment of Israel through the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which first endorsed a Jewish national home in Palestine.

• Palestinian Statehood: This recognition would entail diplomatic acknowledgement of Palestine as a sovereign state with rights under international law. This brings it closer to full UN Membership, from its current status of non-member Permanent Observer State.

• Political Signalling: While the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic, it could pave the way for other countries to do the same and would put added diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the war and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Global Shift: The recognition would mark a critical shift in global attitudes towards the Palestinian issue, specifically a movement from a passive endorsement of a two-state solution to an active support for Palestinian sovereignty.

• Diminishing US Influence: If France and the UK follow through on their recent pledges, the USA will become the only P5 member opposing recognition, isolating itself diplomatically.

Impact on the Gaza War & Israeli Response

• Immediate war dynamics: Recognition adds diplomatic pressure on Israel but does not curtail its military operations immediately. Arms sales, logistical support, military posture remain largely unchanged in the short term. USA and Germany provide over 90% of Israeli defence imports.

• Israeli response: Israel considers this recognition as unfair, equating it in some instances to rewarding terrorism. Israeli leadership has reiterated that a Palestinian state will never be established under current pressures. 

• European/international levers: Some European states are considering or implementing restrictions on arms exports, dual-use goods, or spare parts to Israel. But major players such as the U.S. continue with strong military support. Germany remains a major supplier of military materials to Israel. 

Sources:
Indian Express
Reuters
BBC
France24