France, Britain, and Canada have announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking a significant shift in international diplomacy. This decision, made in response to global media attention on the dire conditions in Gaza, including harrowing images of starving children, is viewed by some as an attempt to end the nearly two-year war. However, Israeli experts express concerns that such recognition may inadvertently reward terrorism, particularly given the continued presence of Hamas in Gaza and the ongoing hostage situation. The Israeli government has emphasized that its military operations in Gaza are necessary to defeat Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.
The anticipated recognition of a Palestinian state by an increasing number of countries could be formalized as early as the next United Nations General Assembly meeting. Despite this, the presence of Hamas and the weakened state of the West Bank’s Palestinian Authority—characterized by corruption and a lack of democratic processes—raises questions about the viability of such a move in advancing a lasting resolution to the decades-old conflict. Israeli former national security advisor Meir Ben Shabbat argues that the recognition’s impact is primarily psychological, generating momentum for future decisions without addressing the complex on-the-ground realities.
Experts like Gayil Talshir of the Hebrew University caution that the recognition could exacerbate the current situation by entangling international support with Hamas rather than fostering structured processes for Palestinian statehood. The Arab League’s recent call for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power is seen as a more constructive approach, highlighting the need for transitional steps that could restore trust and enable Palestinian self-governance. Palestinian activists, such as Huda Abu Arqoub, recognize the idealism of statehood but emphasize the importance of long-term negotiations and a period of recovery following the current conflict. The debate continues over whether such recognition can genuinely contribute to peace or if it may complicate future efforts further.