Gazans Welcome, Israelis Condemn Western Recognition Of Palestinian state

The Gaza war originated from Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Palestinian Territories:

Sunday's recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Canada and Australia elicited dramatically different responses, with Gaza Palestinians viewing it as a hopeful sign while Israelis expressed outrage and worry.

Many in Gaza interpreted the recognition as validation of their existence after nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

"We should be more than just statistics in news reports," expressed Salwa Mansour, 35, who was displaced from Rafah to Al-Mawasi, an area designated as a humanitarian zone by Israeli forces.

"This recognition indicates that the world is finally acknowledging our voice, which itself represents a moral victory.

"Despite experiencing tremendous suffering, death and atrocities, we grasp onto anything offering even minimal hope," she further stated.

Britain and Canada became the first G7 advanced economies to recognize a Palestinian state, aiming to pressure Israel toward ending the Gaza conflict.

In its effort to capture Gaza City, the territory's largest urban area, Israel's military has recently escalated air strikes and initiated a major ground offensive.

According to military reports on Sunday, more than 550,000 individuals have evacuated the city and moved southward.

On Sunday, the territory's civil defense agency, operating under Hamas authority, reported at least 32 people killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza City.

Mohammed Abu Khousa, residing in Deir el-Balah, expressed hope that additional countries would follow in recognizing Palestinian statehood.

"Recognition from countries like Britain and Canada undermines Israel's legitimacy and reignites hope for our cause," he said.

"This might encourage more countries to recognize us, potentially helping end the war."

'Not enough'

However, not all Palestinians viewed the decision positively, with some expressing doubts about its ultimate impact.

Recognition alone "is insufficient, as countries have previously recognized Palestine years ago without yielding results," noted Mohammed Azzam from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

"Instead, settler attacks, killings, arrests, raids, thefts continue increasing daily, and checkpoints saturate the entire West Bank.

"They have isolated the West Bank, its cities and villages. Even European recognition provides no practical assistance," he added.

Following Britain, Canada and Australia's announcements, far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir called for annexing the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967 in violation of international law.

Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with Israel expanding settlements throughout Palestinian territory.

'Bitterness'

In Jerusalem, Israelis perceived the move as dangerous and premature.

"I don't believe a terrorist-controlled area like Gaza, where residents' needs remain unmet, should qualify as a country," stated Tamar Lomonosov from Beit Shemesh.

"They're simply seeking a solution to continue attacking Israel."

Muriel Amar, a 62-year-old Franco-Israeli speaking ahead of France's planned recognition, cautioned that such action would disregard key realities, including hostages still held in Gaza.

"Until they return home, I cannot see how we can move forward," she said.

"This would also validate terrorist groups like Hamas, convincing them they're right, causing significant bitterness among Israelis."

The Gaza war began following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, the attack resulted in 1,219 deaths on the Israeli side, primarily civilians.

Palestinian militants also captured 251 hostages during their attack, with 47 still remaining in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military declares deceased.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign has since killed at least 65,283 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, figures considered reliable by the United Nations.

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