Disputed standing - Recognition status of Palestine amongst various nations: yes, no, or undecided.
Ever since the clock struck 12, Palestine has de facto became a nation, so to speak, in the government of Norway. This decision by the Scandinavian country is an effort to hold onto the hope of a two-state solution amidst the problematic circumstances in the Middle Eastern region. Spain and Ireland agreed, too. As per the words of Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris, speaking to British news agency PA, he ventured: "There can't be a two-state solution if there isn't recognition of both," states.
While Israel responded in bewilderment to this plan, they went ahead and summoned the ambassadors of these three states to the foreign ministry, and threatened repercussions.
It's a mystery whether Palestine is an autonomous region, a mere part of Israel, or a sovereign state. Uncertainty abounds when it comes to seeking answers from varying parties. One fact remains verifiable: Norway, Spain, and Ireland aren't the first to tackle this thorny issue.
Over 140 UN Member Countries Have Acknowledged Palestine's Independence
In '88, Palestinians claimed independence and identified Israel-occupied territories as theirs', with East Jerusalem being the capital. Several significant nations supported this proclamation. The list encompassed China, India, Turkey, and even East Germany. From 2010 onwards, Brazil hopped on board, followed by Thailand in 2012.
In September 2015, we witnessed Pakistan's national emblem displayed unfurled at the United Nations in New York City. This came shortly after an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly had voted in favor of upgrading its status to a "non-member state with observer status" the preceding years. Then in 2015, the International Criminal Court in The Hague permitted Palestine membership.
At least 146 of 193 United Nations members now view Palestine as an independent country, including most of the Muslim world.
Western leaders remain doubtful
Yet, those withholding their consent pique interest. Averting their gaze are the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and virtually the entirety of European leadership, including Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. The US still upholds support for a two-state solution, but vehemently refuses to grant recognition to Palestine unilaterally.
Sweden, ten years ago, was the last European country to recognize Palestine. At that time, Israel's former Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, mocked the situation, commenting: "Relations in the Middle East are much more complicated than Ikea-assembled furniture."
Sources: "Washington Post"; CBS; AP; with DPA
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- Despite the UN's recognition of over 140 member countries acknowledging Palestine's independence, the USA, a key Western power, continues to maintain support for a two-state solution but firmly refuses to grant Palestine unilateral recognition.
- Norway, Spain, and Ireland's decision to recognize Palestine as a nation has drawn criticism from Israel, with Israeli officials summoning their ambassadors and threatening repercussions.
- With the USA and many European countries like Britain, Italy, France, and Germany still remaining undecided on Palestine's recognition status, some Western leaders find themselves in a delicate situation, walking a fine line between supporting peace efforts and not alienating Israel.
Source: www.stern.de
