Why in News: The U.K., France, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, marking a major shift in Western policy and challenging Israel’s continued denial of Palestinian statehood.
Background
1948: Israel declared; recognised immediately by the U.S. and later admitted to UN.
1988: PLO declared State of Palestine; recognised mainly by Global South.
2025: U.K., France, Canada, Australia recognised Palestine → marks shift in Western stance, earlier tied to negotiated two-state solution.
Current Context
1. Ground realities: Gaza devastated by war; settlements expanding in West Bank; settler violence displacing Palestinians.
2. Israeli stance: PM Netanyahu rejects Palestinian statehood outright.
3. U.S. position: Continued unconditional support for Israel.
4. Global cracks: Western consensus on unconditional pro-Israel policy showing signs of erosion.
Significance of Recognition
1. Moral and diplomatic support: A respite for Palestinians amidst devastation.
2. Shift in geopolitics: Indicates loss of faith in peace talks without pressure on Israel.
3. Historical accountability: Western nations acknowledging their role in creating the conflict.
4. Erosion of Israeli impunity: Raises pressure for accountability on war crimes and settlements.
5. Pathway for future peace: Recognition today lays foundation for a Palestinian state tomorrow.
Challenges Ahead
- Israel’s extremist leadership resists compromise.
- Settlements and occupation continue.
- U.S. veto and arms support undermine international pressure.
Way Forward
1. Immediate ceasefire in Gaza as precondition for peace.
2. Arms embargo on Israel if settlements and annexation persist.
3. Revive two-state solution framework with global backing.
4. UN-led monitoring of humanitarian and security issues.
5. Regional diplomacy: Involve Arab states for sustainable peace.
Conclusion: Recognition of Palestine by key Western powers is more than symbolic; it signals cracks in old consensus and could be the stepping stone for realising a two-state solution and durable peace in West Asia.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (International Relations):
- India’s stance on Palestine and Israel.
- Impact of Western recognition of Palestine on global geopolitics.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Recent recognition of Palestine by major Western powers marks a significant shift in the global discourse on the Israel–Palestine conflict. Discuss its implications for West Asian peace and global geopolitics.” (250 words)