The U.S. and U.K. governments are considering recognizing Palestine as a state after the current conflict concludes. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron mentioned that this might be challenging with Hamas in control of Gaza but emphasized the importance of offering Palestinians the prospect of statehood for the long-term peace and security of the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also initiated a review within the State Department to explore potential options for U.S. and international recognition of a Palestinian state, departing from the previous stance that considered it a matter for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
International recognition of Palestine as a state would bring about a new phase in the pursuit of Palestinian statehood, expanding the legal framework to involve more international bodies dealing with human rights and accountability.
Aftermath of Gaza War (Credits: Asharq Al-Awsat)
Recognition and statehood are distinct issues under international law. States engage in foreign relations based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty, forming the basis for their behavior and imposing legally binding obligations under international conventions.
While Palestine has been acknowledged as an independent state by 139 of 193 U.N. members, crucially, the United States, United Kingdom, and other G7 countries, including Germany, Italy, and France, have not granted recognition.
Since 2012, Palestine has held the status of a “non-member observer state” in the U.N. and became a party to several human rights treaties in 2014, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Palestine’s membership in these treaties reflects its status as a sovereign state in international law, carrying associated obligations and duties. Additionally, Palestine is a member of various international organizations, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the International Criminal Court.
