Global shift towards recognising Palestine
The Palestinian demand for statehood is rooted in a history of dispossession. The 1947 UN partition plan, which proposed separate Arab and Jewish states, was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab nations, triggering the 1948 war. What followed was the Nakba — a catastrophe during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes. Israel exceeded its allotted territory, and scholars such as Ilan Pappé have described this as an act of ethnic cleansing. In 1988, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) declared independence, gaining recognition from much of the Global South. Western powers, however, withheld recognition, arguing that statehood must result from negotiations. This allowed Israel to entrench its occupation while avoiding meaningful accountability.
A recent High-Level International Conference on the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN, reflected rising international discontent. The conference reaffirmed 'unwavering support' for Palestinian statehood. Yet Israel refused to engage meaningfully, and the US, under President Trump's renewed administration, dismissed the effort as 'unproductive and ill-timed.'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's response highlighted America's ongoing role in shielding Israel. The conference had been delayed due to Israel's intensifying confrontation with Iran, illustrating its destabilising role in the region.
The new positions of the UK and Canada signal a departure from this status quo. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has tied recognition to halting military operations in Gaza and freezing settlement expansion in the West Bank. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, while supportive, has called for reforms within the Palestinian Authority. These conditions indicate a genuine effort toward a viable, sovereign Palestinian state. They reflect international frustration over Israel's repeated obstruction of peace and the severe humanitarian toll in Palestine. Failed peace efforts — sabotaged by settlement expansion and Israel's refusal to negotiate in good faith — make clear the need for a new path.
The United States, by contrast, remains aligned with Israel. Rubio has criticised his allies' moves as 'clumsy' and imposed sanctions on the Palestinian Authority while continuing to send billions in military aid to Israel. This double standard enables Israel to avoid its obligations under international law and perpetuate occupation with impunity.
Public sentiment underscores the urgency of change. A June 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that only 21 per cent of Israelis believe peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state is possible — reflecting deep disillusionment. Still, other polls suggest most Israelis would support mutual recognition under a comprehensive peace deal. Among Palestinians, hope endures.
A May 2025 PCPSR poll showed that 68 per cent believe an independent state will eventually be realised. Yet many also recognise that symbolic recognition without actual freedom from occupation is insufficient. What they seek is justice and liberation, not empty declarations.
In the countries recognising Palestine, public opinion is largely supportive. A 29 July 2025 YouGov poll found that 45 per cent of Britons back UK recognition, compared to just 14 per cent opposed.
Though recent polling is limited in Canada and France, their governments' decisions reflect wider humanitarian concern and political will. Human rights organisations have long championed Palestinian statehood as essential to international law. Reports from Human Rights Watch (A Threshold Crossed, 2021) and Amnesty International (Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians, 2022) conclude that Israeli policies meet the legal definition of apartheid and constitute crimes against humanity.
This new diplomatic momentum is not a final solution, but it is a pivotal moment. For Palestinians, it renews hope and validates their struggle for dignity. For Israel, it delivers a clear message: the world is no longer willing to ignore its violations. If global pressure continues — and justice becomes the guiding principle — this could mark the beginning of a long-overdue reckoning. History teaches us the cost of silence. The question is whether the world is finally ready to act.
Badr al Dhafari
The writer is head of proofreading, translation at Oman Observer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Higher US tariffs kick in for dozens of trading partners
Washington: The United States began charging higher tariffs on goods from dozens of trading partners Thursday, in a major escalation of President Donald Trump's drive to reshape global commerce in America's favor. Shortly before the new levies kicked in, Washington separately announced it would double Indian tariffs to 50 percent and hit many semiconductor imports from around the world with a 100-percent levy. As an executive order signed last week by Trump took effect, US import duties rose from 10 percent to levels between 15 percent and 41 percent for a list of trading partners. Many imports from economies including the European Union, Japan and South Korea now face a 15-percent tariff, even with deals struck with Washington to avert steeper threatened levies. But others like India face a 25-percent duty -- to be doubled in three weeks to 50 percent -- while Syria, Myanmar and Laos face staggering levels at either 40 percent or 41 percent. Switzerland's government, which failed to convince Trump not to impose a stinging 39-percent tariff, was set to hold an extraordinary meeting later Thursday. Taking to his Truth Social platform just after midnight, Trump posted: "IT'S MIDNIGHT!!! BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TARIFFS ARE NOW FLOWING INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!" The latest wave of "reciprocal" duties, aimed at addressing trade practices Washington deems unfair, broadens the measures Trump has imposed since returning to the presidency. - 'No charge' - On the eve of his latest salvo, he doubled planned duties on Indian goods to 50 percent, citing New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil. The new levy -- up from 25 percent now -- would take effect in three weeks. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations called the move a "severe setback for Indian exports, with nearly 55 percent of our shipments to the US market directly affected." For New Delhi, one of the main sticking points has been Washington's demand to access India's vast agricultural and dairy market. "We will not compromise with the interests of our farmers, our dairy sector, our fishermen," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday. Trump's order also threatened penalties on other countries that "directly or indirectly" import Russian oil, a key revenue source for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Washington has already separately stuck tariffs on sector-specific imports such as steel, autos and pharmaceuticals. Trump said Wednesday he also planned an "approximately 100 percent tariff" on semiconductor imports, but with "no charge" for companies investing in the United States or committed to do so. Shares in Taiwanese chip-making giant TSMC surged as Taipei said it would be exempt, but some other Asian manufacturers took a beating. Companies and industry groups warn the new levies will severely hurt smaller American businesses, while economists caution that they could fuel inflation and hit growth. With the dust settling on countries' tariff levels, at least for now, Georgetown University professor Marc Busch expects US businesses to pass along more of the bill to consumers. - 'This will matter' - An earlier 90-day pause in these higher "reciprocal" tariffs gave importers time to stock up, he said. But although the wait-and-see strategy led businesses to absorb more of the tariff burden initially, inventories are depleting and it is unlikely they will do this indefinitely, he told AFP. "With back-to-school shopping just weeks away, this will matter politically," said Busch, an international trade policy expert. The tariffs leave lingering questions for partners that have negotiated deals with Trump recently. Tokyo and Washington, for example, appear at odds over key details of their pact, in particular on when lower levies on Japanese cars will take place. Generally, US auto imports now face a 25-percent duty under a sector-specific order. Toyota has cut its full-year profit forecast by 14 percent because of the tariffs. Japan and the United States also appear to differ on whether the "reciprocal" tolls of 15 percent on other Japanese goods would be on top of existing levies or -- like the EU -- be capped at that level. China and the United States, meanwhile, currently have a shaky truce in their standoff but that is due to expire on August 12. Chinese exports to the United States tumbled 21.7 percent last month, official data showed, while those to the European Union jumped 9.2 percent and to Southeast Asia by 16.6 percent. The EU is seeking a carveout from tariffs for its key wine industry. In a recent industry letter addressed to Trump, the US Wine Trade Alliance and others urged the sector's exclusion from tolls, saying: "Wine sales account for up to 60 percent of gross margins of full-service restaurants." Trump has separately targeted Brazil over the trial of his right-wing ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of planning a coup. US tariffs on various Brazilian goods surged from 10 percent to 50 percent Wednesday, but broad exemptions including for orange juice and civil aircraft are seen as softening the blow. Still, key products like Brazilian coffee, beef and sugar are hit.
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Trump's higher tariffs hit major US trading partners, sparking defiance and concer
U.S. trade partners such as Switzerland, Brazil and India were still scrambling to get a better deal on Thursday as President Donald Trump's higher tariff rates on imports from dozens of countries kicked in, raising the average U.S. import duty to its highest in a century. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency began collecting the higher tariffs of 10% to 50% at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) after weeks of suspense over Trump's final tariff rates and frantic negotiations with major trading partners that sought to lower them. The leaders of Brazil and India vowed not to be cowed by Trump's hardline bargaining position, even while their negotiators sought a reprieve from the highest tariff levels. The new rates will test Trump's strategy for shrinking U.S. trade deficits without causing massive disruptions to global supply chains or provoking higher inflation and stiff retaliation from trading partners. After unveiling his "Liberation Day" tariffs in April, Trump has frequently modified his plan, slapping much higher rates on imports from some countries, including 50% for goods from Brazil, 39% from Switzerland, 35% from Canada and 25% from India. He announced on Wednesday a separate, 25% tariff on Indian goods, to be imposed in 21 days, over India's purchases of Russian oil. "RECIPROCAL TARIFFS TAKE EFFECT AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!," Trump said on Truth Social just ahead of the deadline. "BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, LARGELY FROM COUNTRIES THAT HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE UNITED STATES FOR MANY YEARS, LAUGHING ALL THE WAY, WILL START FLOWING INTO THE USA. THE ONLY THING THAT CAN STOP AMERICA'S GREATNESS WOULD BE A RADICAL LEFT COURT THAT WANTS TO SEE OUR COUNTRY FAIL!" Tariffs are ultimately paid by companies importing the goods and consumers of end products. Eight major trading partners accounting for about 40% of U.S. trade flows have reached framework deals for trade and investment concessions to Trump, including the European Union, Japan and South Korea, reducing their base tariff rates to 15%. Britain won a 10% rate, while Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines secured rate reductions to 19% or 20%. "For those countries, it's less-bad news," said William Reinsch, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "There'll be some supply chain rearrangement. There'll be a new equilibrium. Prices here will go up, but it'll take a while for that to show up in a major way," Reinsch said. Countries with punishingly high duties, such as India and Canada, "will continue to scramble around trying to fix this," he added. Switzerland's government will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to decide its next move after President Karin Keller-Sutter returned home empty-handed from an 11th-hour trip to Washington aimed at averting the crippling U.S. import tariff on Swiss goods. A last-minute attempt by South Africa to improve its offer in exchange for a lower tariff rate also failed. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone call with Trump on Wednesday and the two countries' trade negotiating teams will have more talks, Ramaphosa's office said. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Reuters on Wednesday he wouldn't humiliate himself by seeking a phone call with Trump even as he said his government would continue cabinet-level talks to lower a 50% tariff rate on Brazilian exports to the U.S. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was similarly defiant, saying he would not compromise the interests of the country's farmers after Trump introduced a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Trump's order has specified that any goods determined to have been transshipped from a third country to evade higher U.S. tariffs will be subject to an additional 40% import duty, but his administration has released few details on how these goods would be identified or the provision enforced. REVENUES, PRICE HIKES U.S. import taxes are one part of a multilayered tariff strategy that includes national security-based sectoral tariffs on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, autos, steel, aluminum, copper, lumber and other goods. Trump said on Wednesday the microchip duties could reach 100%. China is on a separate tariff track and will face a potential tariff increase on August 12 unless Trump approves an extension of a prior truce after talks last week in Sweden. He has said he may impose additional tariffs over China's purchases of Russian oil as he seeks to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine. Trump has touted a vast increase in federal revenues from his import tax collections, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying tariff revenues could top $300 billion a year. The move will drive average U.S. tariff rates to around 20%, the highest in a century and up from 2.5% when Trump took office in January, the Atlantic Institute estimates. Commerce Department data released last week showed more evidence that tariffs began driving up U.S. prices in June, including for home furnishings and durable household equipment, recreational goods and motor vehicles. Costs from Trump's tariff war are mounting for a wide swath of companies, including bellwethers Caterpillar, Marriott, Molson Coors and Yum Brands. Toyota on Thursday said it expected a hit of nearly $10 billion from tariffs on cars imported into the U.S. as it cut its full-year profit forecast by 16%.
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Oman calls for end to Israeli genocide
Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, on Wednesday received a phone call from Hussein al Sheikh, Vice-President of the State of Palestine and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). During the call, they discussed the tragic developments in the Palestinian territories, particularly the ongoing Israeli genocide against civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the policies of starvation and siege imposed on the Strip. The two sides emphasised the importance of combined regional and international efforts to halt this brutal aggression, lift the blockade and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. They also stressed the need to continue supporting diplomatic, political and legal efforts aimed at resuming serious negotiations leading to a just and comprehensive peace, in accordance with international references and the two-state solution. On his turn, Sayyid Badr called for a stronger global appeal to uphold humanity and end the atrocities and famine in Gaza. He reaffirmed Oman's steadfast approach, based on dialogue, justice, respect for international law and support for the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Meanwhile, at least 20 people were killed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday while trying to get food, while others were asked to evacuate as the Israeli Security Cabinet is reportedly set to meet on Thursday to discuss taking over the enclave. The Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing medical sources, reported that dozens of people were also injured after a lorry loaded with humanitarian aid overturned into a crowd in the central part of Gaza as numerous starving civilians gathered to receive humanitarian aid. The truck was allegedly forced onto an unsafe route by the Israeli army, overturned and fell into the crowd. These claims could not be independently verified. Palestinian eyewitnesses said looters had attempted to seize control of the truck. During the chaos, shots were fired, and the driver was fatally hit, causing the vehicle to overturn. According to the United Nations, most trucks entering Gaza are looted before reaching their intended destinations, often by starving frequently leads to chaotic and dangerous scenes. The UN has warned that the conflict-ridden area, home to 2 million people, is on the brink of famine, despite Israel allowing more aid deliveries for over a week. Deadly incidents also continue to occur near aid distribution centres. WAFA reported that the death toll from aid-related incidents reached 87 within the last 24 hours, in addition to 570 injuries, bringing the total number of such fatalities to 1,655, with 11,800 injuries recorded in hospitals.
