What does the recognition of the State of Palestine mean?
Recognition of the State of Palestine has returned to the center of the international debate, after the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia have taken the step. But... what does it mean for a country to recognize the State of Palestine?
The recognition of the State of Palestinereturnsto the center of the international debate after the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia step. But... what does it mean for a country to recognize the State of Palestine?
First of all, what does it mean to recognize a state?
In fact, the recognition of a State is a diplomatic act whereby a country officially accepts the existence of another country as a sovereign entity. It presupposes the recognition of its right to self-determination, the recognition of its government and institutions, and in most cases the establishment of diplomatic relations. In the case of the Palestinians, it is also a political gesture in favour of the purpose of creating an independent State.
How many countries recognize the Palestinian state today?
Of the 193 countries that make up the United Nations, 150 already recognize the State of Palestine. Most of them come from Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Europe, the debate is now on. Sweden was the first to take the step in 2014, and recently countries like Spain, Ireland and Norway have joined.
Does it really influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
In itself, recognition does not change the situation, but it has a marked symbolic and diplomatic influence. It strengthens Palestine's international legitimacy and presses Israel to resume negotiations. For many governments, it is also a way of pushing for a two-state solution.
What does Israel say about that?
Israel rejects unilateral concessions because it believes that the State of Palestine should be created solely from bilateral negotiations. Netanyahu has gone further these days and has repeatedly stressed that "there will be no State of Palestine under any circumstances."
Israel says these gestures undermine the peace process and reward the Palestinians without demanding concessions. It also denounces that many of these acknowledgements ignore the role of Hamas (considered a terrorist group by Israel, the EU, and the US).
And what does it mean for Palestine?
The Palestinian National Authority considers every new recognition to be an essential safeguard. It strengthens its international role, encourages participation in United Nations institutions and may pave the way for further legal action before international courts.
Is recognition of Palestine against Israel?
Not necessarily. Many countries that have recognized the Palestinian State emphasize that it is a gesture for peace and not against Israel. Most advocate the right of both peoples to live in secure, recognized states with specific borders. In this sense, recognition seeks to strengthen the two-state solution and not replace negotiations.
You might like
Ukraine has launched more than 350 drones into Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg
The day before, attacks by the Russian Army on several cities in Ukraine resulted in at least 21 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
Trump signs an executive order restricting undocumented migrants' access to the financial system
According to the Republican president, access to national banking systems "must be only for those who have the legal right to stay in the country," and for those who "engage in legal trade."
Russia has launched a massive attack on Ukraine that has left at least 20 dead and more than a hundred injured
Moscow has described the bombing as a "response to the Kiev regime's terrorist attacks."
Trump lashes out at Netanyahu for his attacks on Lebanon: "You're crazy."
According to the US president, an agreement could be reached next week to end the war in Iran and open the Strait of Hormuz. On the contrary, Tehran has announced the suspension of talks with Washington .
Trump Announces Cessation of Israeli Attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah on Israel
"I have had a very fruitful call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, no troops are going to Beirut, and those on the way are back," Trump explained in a social media message.
Iran insists that Lebanon enters into a ceasefire agreement and warns that Israeli attacks will have consequences
Despite the ceasefire, Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has in recent hours ordered the army to bomb the Beirut region of Hezbollah as its stronghold.
One dead, dozens wounded, nearly 900 arrested and 178 officers beaten in the riots following the PSG victory
The Minister of the Interior has explained that 45% more arrests were made than last year, when a large police apparatus was deployed across the country in anticipation of riots. French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "fed up with unacceptable scenes of violence."
Colombia's far-right wins the first round, and the left questions the computing system
The far-right Abelardo de la Espirella has advanced left on Sunday in the first round of the Colombian elections, which will take place on June 21 and will face the left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda.
A man recently returned from Congo has been isolated in Sardinia, Italy, on suspicion of Ebola
The man returned from the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on a flight that landed in Rome yesterday, Saturday, and then took another flight to Sardinia, where he reported that he had been in a fever for several days.
France calls for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council for Israeli operations in Lebanon
In mid-April, Israel established a "yellow line" (such as the one it applies in Gaza) that runs about ten kilometres from the border between the two countries, and the perimeter between them was invaded by Israeli troops.