Western Powers Recognize the State of Palestine
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Israel-Palestine issue, Two-state solution, UN bodies - UNGA); World History (Balfour Declaration); International Groupings (G-7).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (World History): The Israel-Palestine conflict is a major post-WWI and WWII topic.
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora. This is a major shift in global diplomacy that affects the West Asian region and beyond.
Key Highlights from the News
In a significant shift in Western foreign policy spanning decades, Britain, Australia, and Canada have officially recognized the state of Palestine.
These countries stated that this move is intended to revive the idea of a two-state solution and rekindle hopes for peace.
Britain and Canada are the first G-7 countries to take this step. Other countries, including France, are expected to follow suit soon.
This move has drawn strong opposition from Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused it of being a "reward for terrorism."
Britain, which played a crucial role in establishing the state of Israel through the Balfour Declaration in 1917, is believed to have a "special burden of responsibility" in this matter.
The increasing international pressure on Israel following the war in Gaza is a primary reason for this diplomatic change.
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