Britain, Canada, and Australia Formally Recognize a Palestinian State: What Does This Mean?

 The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have all officially recognized Palestine as a state.  This is a significant turn in not only the Gaza war, but also a historical moment, given the involvement of British colonialism in the creation of the State of Israel.  However, despite the recognition granted by the three Commonwealth countries, opposition from Israel and the United States make this almost nothing more than a symbolic measure.  With other countries set to recognize Palestine in the coming days, including France and Portugal, analyzing the ramifications globally is crucial.

The United Kingdom, as well as two of its former colonies, recognizing a Palestinian state is nothing short of historic.  The British Empire was given control over Palestine after the fall of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War.  In 1917, the Balfour Declaration, which Britain authored, called for the establishment of a Jewish state.  It was not until three decades later, after the conclusion of the Second World War, that the State of Israel was formally founded and first recognized by the United States.  Since that time, relations between Israel and Palestine has been contentious, to describe it kindly.  With Gaza being ravaged by war since Hamas attacked a music festival in Israel on October 7, 2023, the call for a two state solution has only amplified.  Britain believes that the recognition of a State of Palestine will help in this endeavor.  Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, responded with anger at the decision to recognize Palestine.  He stated that a Palestinian state was not going to come to fruition.

Despite the historic overlays of this recognition, the odds it will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is recognized in the United Nations is extremely unlikely.  A state must be recommended in the Security Council, where the United States will certainly veto the move.  It is unlikely that much will change on the ground in Gaza as a result of the increased international recognition for Palestine.  Despite this, the United Kingdom has shown its willingness to correct the wrongs of its colonial rule.  By recognizing Palestine, Britain has acknowledged its past ills, and shows that they are committed to human rights and the wellbeing of Palestinians and Israelis alike.

As was stated previously, without the United States on board, Palestine is not going to receive anything more than words at this point in time.  A divorce between Israel and the United States doesn't seem likely anytime soon.  So, although there is definite historical and political meaning to Britain, Canada, and Australia recognizing a Palestinian state, any immediate or long-term change in the circumstances in Gaza and the West Bank are unlikely.

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