The barest of first steps toward peace in Palestine
A journey of a thousand miles begins
See update for September 22, 2025, at end of post.
Though largely symbolic, four “western” countries’ recognition of Palestine today further isolates the U.S. and Israel. It of course needs to be followed up with concrete steps[1] to end the genocide in Gaza.[2]
But something not to be overlooked—and frankly something I’ve been watching for—is a recognition among Israelis that they are increasingly isolated. Consider the lede in a Times of Israel story: “Arguing that the move sidelines Hamas and advances peace, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal all announced on Sunday their formal recognition of a Palestinian state.”[3]
Yes, this can reinforce the Masada Syndrome among some Israelis, a sense that the entire world is against them.[4] But surely even they must remember that it was not always this way. The countries recognizing Palestine today waited decades to do so. Why are they doing this now?
Much as Israelis might deny it, it is not lost on them that nearly the entire world believes they are committing genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice, which has already ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal,[5] is weighing South Africa’s accusation that the country is committing genocide[6]—a guilty verdict now seems a foregone conclusion.
And whatever Israelis think of that judgment, they know that Binyamin Netanyahu led them to this point. And it will dawn on them that, now, it will take a lot more than a new government to restore their standing in the world.
Netanyahu might never be hauled up before the International Criminal Court. And the road to peace with Palestine may yet be a long one. But there will, I am sure, be a reckoning nonetheless.
Update, September 22, 2025: France, Monaco, Malta, and Luxembourg have today joined the four countries that recognized Palestine yesterday (Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal). San Marino was also expected to announce recognition but at this writing apparently has not. Belgium has qualified its recognition announcement saying it can only take effect when Hamas is out of power and the hostages have been returned. Andorra’s recognition will require Palestine to be demilitarized and Hamas to be out of power.[7]
The latter two governments’ restrictions mean they do not in fact recognize Palestine as a fully sovereign state.
Israel, under Binyamin Netanyahu, remains implacably opposed to a Palestinian state and continues to pursue settlement policies that make such a state ever less viable;[8] an aspect of this situation is that Israel in fact has no plan for Palestinians except their extermination.
[1] Deutschewelle, “UK, Canada and Australia recognize Palestinian state,” September 21, 2025, https://www.dw.com/en/uk-canada-and-australia-recognize-palestinian-state/live-74075302; Steve Hendrix, “U.K., Canada, Australia recognize Palestine as a state, breaking with U.S.,” Washington Post, September 21, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/21/britain-recognizes-palestine-state-israel/; Cathrin Schaer, “What will recognizing Palestine as a state actually achieve?” Deutschewelle, September 21, 2025, https://www.dw.com/en/what-will-recognizing-palestine-as-a-state-actually-achieve/a-74047802; Esther Webber, “UK recognizes Palestinian statehood,” Politico, September 21, 2025, https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-recognize-palestinian-statehood/
[2] Kareem Fahim and Gerry Shih, “Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, leading scholars’ association says,” Washington Post, September 1, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/01/israel-genocide-gaza-scholars/; Catherine Nicholls, “UN commission says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” Cable News Network, September 16, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/16/middleeast/israel-gaza-genocide-un-commission-report-intl
[3] Times of Israel, “UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal announce recognition of Palestinian state; PM: Won’t happen,” September 21, 2025, https://www.timesofisrael.com/uk-canada-australia-formally-announce-recognition-of-palestinian-state/
[4] Arie Perliger, “Most Israelis dislike Netanyahu, but support the war in Gaza – an Israeli scholar explains what’s driving public opinion,” Conversation, May 23, 2024, https://theconversation.com/most-israelis-dislike-netanyahu-but-support-the-war-in-gaza-an-israeli-scholar-explains-whats-driving-public-opinion-230046
[5] Raffi Berg, “UN top court says Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal,” British Broadcasting Corporation, July 19, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjerjzxlpvdo
[6] Raffi Berg, “What is South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ?” British Broadcasting Corporation, May 24, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67922346
[7] Christian Edwards, Aditi Sangal, and Elise Hammond, “France joins countries recognizing Palestinian state ahead of UN General Assembly,” Cable News Network, September 22, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-france-palestine-un-09-22-25
[8] Christian Edwards, Aditi Sangal, and Elise Hammond, “France joins countries recognizing Palestinian state ahead of UN General Assembly,” Cable News Network, September 22, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-france-palestine-un-09-22-25