Western nations including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have formally recognized the State of Palestine, marking a significant shift in international relations. This recognition has prompted a strong reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. The decision is seen as a long-overdue gesture acknowledging the plight of Palestinians and highlighting the international community’s stance against Israel’s occupation.
Israel’s reaction was swift. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that a Palestinian state ‘will not happen,’ emphasizing that recognition of Palestine was a reward for terrorism. The recognition, which follows years of international pressure, has sparked debates on the effectiveness of diplomatic measures in achieving Palestinian sovereignty. Former Palestinian ambassadors to the UK and Canada have emphasized the symbolic and practical implications of the recognition, urging for stronger international intervention to address the ongoing occupation and settlement expansion.
The decision is influenced by Israel’s failure to meet ceasefire conditions, withdraw from Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid into the Strip. Still, the move is largely symbolic, as Israel remains in control with U.S. support. Former Palestinian Ambassador to Italy and former envoy to Canada, Mona Abuamara, noted that Canada made the decision some time ago but delayed the announcement due to international and domestic factors. The recognition is seen as a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the two-state solution, aligning with European countries that support a rules-based international order.
Manuel Hassassian, former ambassador to the UK, highlighted that the recognition is mostly symbolic. It does not change the facts on the ground, since Israel remains an occupying force and a colonial-settler movement supported by the international community, especially the United States. However, it does expose Israel’s true intentions and strengthens the principle of Palestinian self-determination, a universal right. Moves by France, Spain, the UK, and others create diplomatic pressure on Israel and the U.S.
Netanyahu’s claims that the recognition is driven by internal pressure and a growing Muslim population are criticized as unfounded and rooted in racism. The Palestinian struggle is not religious but about freedom, sovereignty, and liberation from oppression. Netanyahu uses religion to frame the conflict as a Muslim-Jewish issue, hiding behind Judaism and the Jewish community to justify his policies. This rhetoric is seen as a way to deflect from accountability for war crimes.
Former Palestinian Ambassador Mona Abuamara further emphasized that recognition alone is not enough. The international community must also take practical steps: impose sanctions on Israel; suspend or revoke trade agreements benefiting settlements; cut diplomatic relations if Israel continues to commit genocide and starvation policies; and ensure settlers and settlements gain no advantages from international agreements. Only by using these tools can the world pressure Israel to end its occupation, oppression, and settlement expansion and help Palestinians achieve true sovereignty and independence.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is soon heading to the United States, where he is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly and then meet with President Donald Trump. Observers say that when he returns, and after he gets an American blessing, he may announce the formal annexation of parts of the West Bank, a move that would directly challenge the international momentum behind Palestinian recognition. With four Western powers joining more than 140 nations already recognizing Palestine, and more states promising to follow suit, the stakes in the coming weeks could not be higher.