2024-04-17 17:11:00
What elements argue in favor of recognition of a Palestinian state at the level of the European Union?
There are several favorable arguments. First of all, many countries in the European Union and other states around the world support the two-state solution, which makes the recognition of Palestine consistent, as Israel has already been since its creation. EU recognition of a Palestinian state might, moreover, strengthen the credibility of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in the Middle East and potentially limit the maximalist ambitions of Hamas, which seeks to destroy Israel and establish a Islamic State. This would, finally, serve as a mark of confidence on the part of European countries in the ANP regarding its ability to function as a state. This would also send a message to Benjamin Netanyahu indicating that European countries are not in agreement with the government’s annexationist aims regarding settlements in the Palestinian territories.
Several countries are actively advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state, such as Spain, Norway and Ireland. Why now ?
Many European countries have Arab-Muslim communities who are very sensitive to the fate of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to Israeli attacks. The year 2024 is a super-election year and political parties and governments alike want to adopt a more open stance towards Palestine. Furthermore, as mentioned above, recognizing a Palestinian state would mean that European countries are not in agreement with Israel’s annexationist aims, which is the case for many of them. If the 27 states of the European Union join forces on the subject, Benjamin Netanyahu will have more difficulty continuing his expansionist policy despite everything. However, this is a delicate question because the EU maintains consistent relations with Israel, and member countries might fear that the recognition of one would put them at odds with Israel. the other. The Oslo Accords of 1993 between Israelis and Palestinians, to which we regularly refer, did not provide for the recognition of a Palestinian state. The idea that prevails today in many Western states is to recognize the Palestinian state and to favor bilateral negotiations between Israel and Palestine rather than waiting for the result of this negotiation.
Palestine’s uncertain request for full membership in the UN
What would be the direct consequences of recognition by the United Nations on the geopolitics of the Middle East?
Even if it seems unlikely, it would be a diplomatic bolt from the blue. There would no longer be any obstacles to the Palestinian Authority, already recognized as a UNESCO member state. For its part, Israel would feel totally isolated on the international scene, but Tel Aviv is used to turning its back on the international community. This would therefore not impact its position regarding the Gaza Strip, because the Hebrew state’s obsession is its security, and the latter was violated during the attack by Hamas on October 7. Benjamin Netanyahu’s government wants the strict elimination of Hamas and will not turn away from it.
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