The Franco-Saudi initiative for recognition of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, endorsed by 142 countries at a UN conference, is a symbolic gesture of admonition to Israel to end its war against Hamas in Gaza and halt illegal West Bank settlements. Far from rewarding Hamas terrorism, as Israel claims, it proposes an off-ramp from endless violence. It also challenges the US to embrace a two-state solution or face global opposition.
The declaration does not change the catastrophic situation on the ground, nor the plight of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas nearly two years ago, but it aligns leading democracies, including France, the UK, Canada and Australia, with Arab states in supporting key principles for a peace settlement. It offers Palestinians hope of an end to occupation and an independent future free from Hamas’ tyranny. It gives Israel peace, recognition and economic integration with all Arab neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia and potentially Syria and Lebanon, instead of living only by the sword. The Netanyahu government, which vehemently rejects Palestinian statehood, may well retaliate, but it will not last forever.
The US has given Israel a free hand since the Hamas massacre of 1,200 Israeli civilians on 7 October 2023. But President Trump’s desire for disengagement from the Middle East, and Israel’s refusal to heed global calls to end suffering and hunger in Gaza, have opened a window for the Europeans, if they can offer credible benefits for peace in coordination with Arab states.
The EU’s disunity limits its ability to wield sticks and carrots effectively. France and the UK were right to take the lead, and other Europeans should follow swiftly.
Paul Taylor is a Senior Visiting Fellow with the Europe in the World Programme at the EPC.
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