Paris: With Gaza under siege and the West Bank under threat, will the symbolic act of recognising a Palestinian state give its inhabitants reasons to hope or despair? Some 715 days since Hamas orchestrated the worst terror attack in Israel's history, what's clear is that Israel has since squandered sympathy with its incessant pummelling of Gaza and the unchecked land grabs by the state and Jewish settlers in the West Bank.
According to France24.com, among the dozen nations recognising Palestine are former colonial powers Britain and France, which are home to both Europe's largest Muslim and Jewish populations. This move raises questions about whether it is a lone act of frustration directed as much at Israel as its main backer, the United States, or if it signifies a potential shift in Europe's role towards actual peace building.
The decision to recognise Palestine also occurs amidst "us versus them" statements from Israel's prime minister, who faces mounting international calls for isolation and sporting boycotts. Critics have begun comparing this international pressure to the sanctions and boycotts faced by apartheid-era South Africa. The situation remains complex, and the potential for Europe's influence on peace talks continues to be a topic of intense discussion and debate.