Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by Palestinians but causing Israel to recall its ambassadors from the three countries. This decision comes as part of a trend in the European Union towards recognizing a two-state solution as essential for peace in the region. While over 140 countries have recognized Palestine, major Western powers have not taken this step. Israel’s international reputation suffered another blow this week with the ICC prosecutor seeking arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by these European countries coincides with international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.N. reported that over 900,000 displaced Palestinians lack essentials such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare. Israel’s offensive in Gaza, triggered by an attack by Hamas, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of a large portion of the population. The closing of hospitals and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are further contributing to the dire situation faced by Palestinians.
Iraq received a group of wounded Palestinians evacuated from Gaza, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Israeli forces ordered the evacuation of hospitals in northern Gaza amid heavy fighting, further deteriorating the already strained medical infrastructure. Reports indicate that Palestinians are surviving on as little as 2 cups of water per day, leading to an increase in diseases and health issues. The deadly clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian militants in Jenin, a city in the northern West Bank, have resulted in numerous casualties and further violence in the region.
Despite the recognition of a Palestinian state by some European countries, France has indicated that it is not yet ready to make such a move, stressing the importance of timing and impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the midst of these developments, Israel’s far-right finance minister has decided to stop transferring tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, which will likely impact the government’s ability to pay salaries to its employees. However, other European nations such as Malta, Belgium, and Croatia are still deliberating on whether to recognize a Palestinian state at this time.
Amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, aid organizations are struggling to provide essential services and support to the people of Gaza. The United States is working with the World Food Program to help distribute aid into Gaza, but challenges remain in delivering much-needed supplies. The U.S. Agency for International Development highlights the urgent need for 600 truckloads of aid per day to address famine and the overall humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with organizations like the International Rescue Committee and Medical Aid for Palestinians reporting severe shortages and health issues faced by the population.
