Palestine gains recognition: 4 European nations officially back statehood
European countries are widely recognizing Palestine’s independence (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Belgium, Monaco, Malta, and Luxembourg have recognized the independence of the State of Palestine. These countries joined France, the UK, Canada, and Australia in a similar decision, according to a live broadcast of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
During speeches at the UN General Assembly summit, four more European countries also announced their recognition of Palestine as an independent state.
Belgium
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that his country is joining other states in recognizing the State of Palestine to send a strong political and diplomatic signal to the world.
“Therefore, Belgium is giving out a strong political and diplomatic signal to the world today by joining the group of countries that announces the recognition of the State of Palestine,” the head of state said during his speech.
At the same time, the Belgian leader added that legal recognition of the State of Palestine can only occur after the release of all hostages and the removal of all terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, from governing Palestine.
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco also joined over 145 other countries that have recognized the State of Palestine.
Prince Albert II, during his speech at the General Assembly, noted that Monaco has become the latest country to recognize the State of Palestine.
He emphasized that from the very beginning, his country defended Israel’s right to live within safe and recognized borders and to enjoy security within them, as well as the right of the Palestinian people to a sovereign, viable, and democratic state.
He said, to applause from those present in the hall, that that day they wanted to once again reaffirm their unwavering support for the existence of Israel, as well as recognize Palestine as a state in accordance with international law.
Prince Albert II emphasized the importance of finding a balanced and sustainable solution to end the conflict, after the release of all hostages and once Hamas is disarmed.
Speaking about the two-state solution, the prince noted that Monaco affirms that this solution is based on the existence of two national entities.
Malta
Malta has also recognized Palestinian statehood.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta was proud to confirm its official recognition of Palestinian statehood.
He noted that Malta also supports Israel’s right to exist alongside a democratic State of Palestine.
Abela added that a two-state solution would be the worst possible outcome for Hamas and that Hamas should have no role in any future Palestinian government.
The prime minister said that if the Palestinians saw a peaceful and realistic path to statehood and self-determination, it would fatally undermine Hamas’s calls for violence.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden stated that his country officially recognizes the State of Palestine and that this decision marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to hope.
Frieden said that this was the beginning of a renewed commitment to hope, a commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, coexistence, and a two-state solution, and to the idea, fragile but still possible, that peace could prevail.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly summit, the prime minister recalled the history of the UN and said that the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood aligns with the values enshrined in the coalition.
Frieden began by saying that there are moments in history when the cause of peace requires both moral clarity and political courage, noting that that day was precisely such a moment in history.
He said Luxembourg believes that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace and promised that his country would act as a partner in achieving peace.
Frieden reiterated that this is not a decision against Israel or its people, nor a step toward rewarding violence.
On Monday, September 22, during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, France also recognized the independence of the State of Palestine.
Similar decisions were made on September 21 by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
For more on the reasons behind the widespread recognition of Palestine by European countries and its consequences, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
