Recognition of Palestinian state would spur dash in the direction of two-state answer, envoy says

By Kate Holton and Ben Makori

LONDON (Reuters) -The popularity of a Palestinian state by main Western nations will set off a dash in the direction of a two-state answer, the pinnacle of the Palestinian mission in London mentioned on Tuesday.

Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium have all mentioned they’ll recognise a Palestinian state on the United Nations Common Meeting later this month, though London might halt the method if Israel eased the humanitarian disaster in war-shattered Gaza and dedicated to a long-term peace course of.

The strikes are designed to place stress on Israel to finish its assault on Gaza and curtail the constructing of latest Jewish settlements within the occupied West Financial institution, however some query whether or not recognition is merely symbolic.

“I feel will probably be the beginning gun for what we hope to be a dash, not even a march, in the direction of implementing the two-state answer, and we hope for an energetic, efficient, significant function by the UK,” Husam Zomlot, the pinnacle of the Palestinian Mission in London, advised Reuters.

Israel, going through a world outcry over its conduct within the Gaza conflict, has reacted angrily to recognition gestures, saying they might reward Hamas. The Palestinian militant group’s gunmen attacked southern Israeli communities close to the border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 folks, primarily civilians, and taking 251 hostages into Gaza, in line with Israeli figures.

A two-state answer is the concept the 2 sides might co-exist in peace alongside one another – a Palestinian state on territory Israel captured in a 1967 conflict, with the Gaza Strip and West Financial institution linked by a hall by Israel.

However the proposal has turn into much less viable over time, as Israel has accelerated the constructing of Jewish settlements in occupied territory, whereas the 2 sides persist with uncompromising positions on core points together with borders, the destiny of Palestinian refugees, and the standing of Jerusalem.

Zomlot mentioned the transfer by Britain was vital as a result of its function in endorsing a “nationwide house for the Jewish folks in Palestine” in 1917. He mentioned it was not too late to realize a two-state answer, and that he hoped the momentum being constructed on the U.N. would lead Israel to dismantle its settlements.

“As soon as we create ample stress – significant stress – I guarantee you, it’s completely doable,” he mentioned.

The United Nations’ highest court docket mentioned in 2024 Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements there are unlawful and needs to be withdrawn as quickly as doable.

Israel’s right-wing authorities guidelines out a Palestinian state and says the territories the place settlements have expanded are usually not occupied in authorized phrases as a result of they’re on disputed lands. It cites biblical and historic ties to these lands.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; further reporting by Muvija M; modifying by Mark Heinrich)