After much bloodshed, torment and suffering, the world seems to be finally moving to recognise Palestine as a State. With diverse views about the move and its timing being debated across the world, some may ask, so what? What is the significance of recognising Palestine as a State, today? Some have criticised the move as a whitewashing affair for the global North. While the debate about the decision to recognise Palestinian Statehood, global action, late or otherwise continues, the impunity with which Israel is acting and waging war and the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. For Palestinians who are in an endless cycle of violence, the move brings much-needed hope and desperately-needed political pressure which may sway Israel and more importantly, the United States to back down from the carnage which is ongoing in Palestine. The war must halt and there must be an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Hostages taken must be released to their loved ones, aid and food must reach those who desperately need them in Palestine. The time for dialogue and peacebuilding is now.

A growing number of UN Member States, at least eight as of last afternoon, has officially recognised the State of Palestine following new declarations by France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium and others in New York on Monday (22). This shift marks a major symbolic turning point amid the ongoing war in Gaza and rising pressure on global institutions to address Palestinian Statehood and the situation on the ground. While the legal ambiguities of Statehood and the practical outcomes of the recognition remain polarising arguments, the recognition in terms of symbolism, is a type of a game-changer for Palestine and Israel. The fact that Canada, France, Australia and the United Kingdom all declared their recognition of the State of Palestine shows significant global understanding of the need for action. This opens up an opportunity for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring parties.

For the United Kingdom – rooted closely in the formulation of the State of Israel and the endless conflict between Israel and Palestine since, the decision is a major foreign policy change. The recognition of the State of Palestine also signifies support for the two-State solution which many believe is the best way forward for peace and security for both Israel and Palestine. Israel and some nations have criticised the move saying that it rewards terrorism and pays into the hands of Hamas. It must be noted that many countries who declared their recognition of the State of Palestine also lost citizens to attacks by Hamas in Israel. However, the declarations have been clear that support for Palestine does not mean support for Hamas, it also calls for Hamas to be demilitarised and not be party to governance in Palestine. The recognition of Palestine also in effect recognise the Palestinian Authority, which has already recognised the right of the State of Israel to exist. As such, the move now offers both Israel and Palestine an avenue forward, without bloodshed to come to a consensus on a structured process to achieve peace.

Nations like France have been working in close cooperation with many countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and other key nations such as Egypt to help regional efforts to foster a ceasefire and dialogue. France and other European nations who have raised their voice in recognition of the State of Palestine, have indicated that they want UN and EU monitoring capacity to ensure the State of Palestine will not slip back into the hands of the likes of Hamas. It is reported that the Palestinian Authority’s officials living in exile have indicated they will reform the nation’s education and public systems to do away with the ideology of hate which Hamas had built. These are positive signs, and ones that Israel, the US, and the region must recognise and support. This cycle of death and suffering must end.