Editorial: Japan should join France, UK, Canada and recognize Palestinian state
France, Britain and Canada have each announced their intention to recognize Palestine as a state. Nearly 150 of the United Nations' 193 member countries have already done so, but the Group of Seven (G7) nations have until now avoided taking a clear stance. The administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which seeks to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, has strongly objected to these moves.
France and Britain are both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Their decision marks a significant shift from their previous reluctance to challenge Israel -- a stance rooted in historical reflection on the Holocaust perpetrated by Nazi Germany.
The immediate backdrop is the devastation in Gaza. More than 60,000 people have been killed in airstrikes and other Israeli attacks, and many residents are facing starvation. Paris, London and Ottawa hope that recognition will serve as leverage to break the deadlock.
Momentum for Middle East peace has faded, but many countries still support a two-state solution, in which a future Palestinian state would coexist with Israel.
Britain and other nations had previously insisted on waiting for progress in negotiations between the two sides, but have now moved up their recognition of Palestinian statehood. This is also intended to curb the Netanyahu administration's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the other Palestinian territory.
Recognition would allow for the establishment of diplomatic relations and economic agreements, and sends a strong message of support for Palestine.
However, for Palestine to function as a state, it needs a unified government. Currently, the territory is divided between the Islamist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Major countries must support efforts to strengthen the Palestinian Authority's governing capacity.
With France, Britain and others moving to recognize Palestine, calls for Palestinian membership in the U.N. are likely to grow. At present, Palestine remains a "non-member observer state."
Full membership requires approval from the Security Council. The biggest obstacle is the United States, which holds a veto and remains staunchly pro-Israel.
At last year's U.N. General Assembly, a resolution supporting full Palestinian membership passed with 143 countries in favor, including Japan. The U.S. and Israel should take this seriously.
Japan, which has long supported the Palestinians, should now strengthen cooperation with France, Britain and Canada and move toward recognition. Swift action is needed to help rescue people from the dire situation in Gaza.
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