Western Recognition Could Advance Palestinian Statehood

Displaced persons’ tents crowded along the coastal strip of Gaza City in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

During the upcoming annual UN General Assembly, several key European countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state. The question that looms is how to translate such a significant development into reality, enabling Palestinians to realize their national aspiration for statehood.

One of the main issues likely to take center stage at the UN General Assembly is the ongoing devastating war in Gaza and the international call for establishing an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.

What will make the discussion at the UN about Palestinian statehood more potent is the expectation that several Western powers—including the UK, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and Portugal—will formally recognize a Palestinian state, joining Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which recognized Palestine last year.

Although such recognition is significant, it remains largely symbolic unless all players take critical measures to address four main reasons behind failures in advancing Palestinian statehood:

Israel has done everything within its reach, especially with support from the Trump administration, to prevent it.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has done little to establish a legitimate representative government responsive to public needs, despite recognition by 147 countries.

Arab states, though publicly supportive, have provided limited financial assistance and little coordinated effort to advance the idea.

Countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood have not taken sufficient measures to ensure its implementation.

To realistically pave the way for Palestinian statehood, involved players must take momentous measures, even though Israel is expected to resist vigorously and rely on the US to block progress.

The PA must recognize that independent statehood will remain only a slogan unless it takes the following steps:

Hold new elections, inviting all Palestinian factions committed to a peaceful resolution with Israel.

Reiterate recognition of Israel and commit unconditionally to peace negotiations.

Engage in public diplomacy to demonstrate readiness for dialogue and shape global opinion positively.

Demonstrate commitment to democratic principles and human rights to gain Western support.

Present economic development plans to build international confidence and attract financial aid.

Promote nonviolent methods to highlight the Palestinian cause and gain moral legitimacy internationally.

European countries’ support must go beyond symbolism and focus on concrete measures:

Provide direct economic support to Palestinian institutions and ensure accountability.

Establish bilateral trade agreements to strengthen Palestine’s economy independently.

Enhance observer status and participation in international bodies.

Upgrade Palestinian consulate offices to higher diplomatic levels.

Fund public diplomacy campaigns in their capitals to build support for statehood.

Offer training and support for Palestinian internal security forces in coordination with Israel.

Arab states must take a greater role to advance Palestinian statehood and influence their future relations with Israel:

Make clear that normalization with Israel is contingent on a clear path toward Palestinian statehood.

Threaten Israel with severing diplomatic relations if violations of Palestinian rights continue.

Provide targeted financial aid for governance and infrastructure projects.

Upgrade or open Palestinian embassies in Arab capitals.

Support Palestine legally and strengthen its narrative in Arab and international media.

Align regional policies to minimize friction and prevent confrontations.

Even with these measures, obstacles remain. Israel, controlling the West Bank and Gaza, will resist any effort that could improve Palestinian prospects.

However, concerted and consistent efforts by all players could dramatically alter the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After decades of violence, strategies of resistance and incremental aggression have reached a stalemate.

The Western European countries’ recognition of a Palestinian state could be historic, provided that concrete steps follow, ensuring determination to achieve Palestinian statehood despite changing political landscapes.