COUNTRIES RECOGNISED
PALESTINE - INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
News: Ireland, Spain, Norway to
recognize Palestinian statehood
What's in the news?
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Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced their
formal recognition of Palestine as a state.
Key takeaways:
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Recognition of the Palestinian state is a
long-standing issue between Israel and the Palestinians.
Two-State Solution:
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In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for the creation of
both a Jewish and Palestinian state.
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However, the Palestinians and the wider Arab world
rejected it because it favored the Jewish population, leaving Palestinians with
less land despite being the majority.
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Subsequent conflicts, particularly the Arab-Israeli war in 1948 and the Six-Day
War in 1967, resulted in Israel gaining control over Palestinian
territories.
Current Situation:
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Decades of peace talks have failed to resolve the
conflict, with the United States, Britain, and other Western countries
supporting the idea of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
What does this
Recognition Signify?
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While Ireland,
Norway, and Spain's recognition of Palestine won't immediately change the
situation on the ground, it carries symbolic significance.
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It enhances Palestinians international standing and
increases pressure on Israel to engage in negotiations for peace.
Current Palestine:
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The Palestinian Authority (PA) seeks statehood
based on the borders established before the Six-Day War in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
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This territory includes the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
Countries Recognised
Palestine:
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Nearly three-quarters
of UN members recognize Palestine, primarily countries from West Asia,
Africa, and Asia.
●
However, major
Western powers such as the United States, Canada, most of Western Europe,
Australia, Japan, and South Korea do not.
Observer Status:
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Palestine currently holds an enhanced observer status at the UN, allowing participation but not voting
rights.
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It's also recognized by organizations like the Arab
League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Go back to basics:
Oslo Accords:
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It was sponsored
through the United Nations (UN) and signed by the Israeli government and
the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993.
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Under this, part of the West Bank came under the
control of the Palestinian Authority.