Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, Ireland, Norway, and Spain recently made headlines by officially recognizing Palestine as a state. While this symbolic gesture was met with praise from Palestinians, Israel responded by withdrawing its ambassadors from all three countries.
Although the recognition of Palestine as a state may seem like a positive step, some skeptics question its effectiveness in actually benefitting the Palestinian people. The joint recognition from these European nations has been criticized as “too little, too late” by Palestinian-American scholar Noura Erakat.
Furthermore, while Spain, Ireland, and Norway have condemned Israeli actions, they also seem to align with US policies that may not fully support Palestinian interests. These countries’ support for the Palestinian Authority has also raised concerns, as the PA is seen as an entity that collaborates with Israel in maintaining the occupation.
Instead of focusing on symbolic gestures, many argue that these nations should push for concrete actions such as advocating for a one-state solution or demanding the dismantling of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The current diplomatic efforts, while well-intentioned, may not address the root causes of Palestinian suffering effectively.