After the Live Stream Genocide and Boasted Genocide by the West: The Official Recognition of Palestinian Statehood?  

Dr. Pamelia Riviere

 The UK prime minister stated: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution."

As of September 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 157 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, which is approximately 81% of the UN's total membership.

It is commendable that Australia, Canada, and the UK have recognized Palestine's statehood. Still, the idea of Palestinian statehood remains elusive. It was the UK that complicated the situation by relinquishing Palestine without considering the Palestinians' right to self-determination, declaring the Balfour Declaration. They must work hard to address their colonial past. 

Meanwhile, the UK and the two other allies have provided full moral support to Israel, including weapons and funds, up to the present day. They have also fallen short of their efforts to stop the genocide in Gaza, offering only words about humanitarian aid. It is time for them to take the right action to end the genocide in Gaza and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

The West is trying to justify itself by recognizing Palestine's statehood, while in June, they gave Israel full support. The world watched painfully as every single Ramadan morning, Israel bombed while children slept under the sky on beds of rubble. They tried hard to kill innocent Palestinians with the support of their Western allies, even on Eid Day. They are all complicit in genocide in Gaza.

The Balfour Declaration triggered this prolonged Nakba and genocide

Palestine's ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, addressed a vibrant crowd gathered in front of the Palestinian Mission in central London, celebrating a significant milestone in the recognition of Palestine. "We are assembled today at the Palestinian Mission to the UK to commemorate a truly historic moment," Zomlot declared, his voice resonating with pride and emotion. "In this very capital, where the Balfour Declaration was issued over a century ago—a declaration that has borne witness to endless denial, dispossession, and erasure—the UK government has finally taken a long-overdue step by acknowledging the statehood of Palestine." 

He raised a gleaming plaque, drawing enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience. "Soon, once we navigate through necessary legal and bureaucratic processes, this plaque that boldly states, 'The Embassy of the State of Palestine' will find its home right behind me on this building," Zomlot emphasized that this moment transcends the borders of Palestine; it carries profound implications for Britain and highlights the British government's moral obligation. 

"It reflects the urgent need to end the denials of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to freedom and self-determination. This recognition is an acknowledgment of a historic injustice," he stated passionately. "Ladies and gentlemen, Palestine exists; it has always existed, and it will persist in the annals of history." 

Yet, observers and analysts caution that mere recognition is not sufficient. While this event marks a pivotal step toward peace, it remains a performative gesture that requires substantive actions to accompany it and ensure genuine statehood for Palestine. Concrete measures, such as an arms embargo and economic sanctions against Israel, are imperative to prevent further atrocities in Gaza and to facilitate meaningful progress toward peace and justice for the Palestinian people.

The US has been committing genocide in Gaza, overtly, not covertly

“We want to end the war in Gaza. We’re going to end it. Maybe we can end it right now,” Trump told the press today, September 24, 2025 (The Times of Israel). However, despite Trump's assurances, a ceasefire to end Israel's ongoing nearly two-year conflict with Hamas remains elusive.

As an analyst, I firmly argue that the United States is not complicit in genocide; instead, it has committed acts of genocide. It took a stance that reflects direct involvement rather than mere complicity. The genocide scholars and researchers pointed out that this genocide has been carried out by the US not only through covert means but also with brazen overt actions. The support provided to Israel has included not just intelligence and financial backing, but also a steady supply of ammunition, all orchestrated to facilitate these acts. 

Furthermore, the US bears a significant responsibility for the tragic deaths of civilians seeking food and water, especially the direct killing of Palestinian starved children, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread starvation.

 The unwavering support for the actions in Gaza reveals a grim willingness to overlook such atrocities, echoing a disturbing pattern from past interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the US has similarly been culpable in committing egregious acts of violence and suffering.

Critics express that Canada and other Western NATO countries have been providing financial, military, and moral support to Israel in its ongoing conflict with the residents of Gaza and the West Bank. They are complicit in genocide in Gaza.

 While China has been criticized for not doing enough to support the Palestinian cause, and Russia could adopt a more outspoken stance, India has faced criticism for its silence on the issue of alleged genocide against Palestinians. 

Furthermore, the Arab world has also mainly been unresponsive, lacking significant action against Israel. 

The question arises as to why the UK has proposed the idea of Palestinian statehood after two years of war in Gaza, when genocidal crimes against Palestinians reached their peak. The impetus for this proposal appears to stem from worldwide protests over recent years led by younger generations, which have not resulted in Western allies imposing any sanctions against Israel. Instead, these nations have continued their support for Israel both openly and covertly. 

Barriers to lasting peace in the Middle East

Who will put an end to Israel's brutal treatment of innocent civilians? Israeli bombardment of Gaza persists even after the recognition announcement of Palestine's Statehood by 185 countries in the UN, and today, 73 Palestinians have been killed in just a few hours.

Recent developments in the Middle East underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in their quest for lasting peace. Lebanon, recognized as a sovereign nation, has experienced military aggression from Israel under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This week, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon resulted in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including three children from the same family and their father. In response, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack as a "massacre," as reported by CNN.

 Netanyahu's administration has been characterized by frequent military actions against neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Iran, and a push for territorial expansion in the West Bank alongside ground operations in Gaza. His right-wing coalition, featuring figures like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, supports these aggressive policies. 

Critics argue that such actions contribute to ongoing violence against Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians, prompting calls for a change in Israel's leadership. 

The recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK must not end as merely symbolic 

On a positive note, for Palestinians, the Palestinian flag has been raised at their mission in London following the recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK and three other Western nations. The Palestinian mission will now operate as an embassy, signalling a significant step forward in diplomatic recognition. In the coming days, more countries, including France, are anticipated to follow suit as the United Nations General Assembly convenes. The Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, praised the UK's recognition as a historic and long-overdue move. 

However, organizations like Amnesty International caution that such recognition must be accompanied by tangible actions to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the longstanding Israeli occupation. British independent MP Shockat Adam emphasized that the UK's acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood is only the initial step toward establishing a viable Palestinian state.

The recognition of Palestine as a state has become a divisive issue among UK politicians. Many view this potential announcement as a step towards realizing the long-sought two-state solution, with hopes that both Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully. 

As Secretary David Lammy highlighted, the weight of British history bears heavily on the current situation. In a discussion about the historical context of the current conflict in Gaza, it was noted that 108 years ago, in 1917, significant injustices were established that have led to ongoing violence and suffering. The speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing these historical wrongs and taking responsibility for the colonial era that contributed directly to present-day issues, including the genocide in Gaza and the displacement of a large portion of the Palestinian people during the Nakba and British mandate periods.  

The acknowledgment of Palestine’s right to exist is seen as a crucial step toward justice and peace, despite opposition from some British families with ties to hostages held by Hamas. UK rewarding Hamas, says mother of freed British-Israeli hostage, as reported by BBC. These families cautioned against recognizing Palestinian statehood, arguing that it could serve as a propaganda victory for Hamas. In response, it was asserted that the families voicing these concerns are misinformed. The speaker argued that many families feel betrayed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who they believe is prioritizing political gains over the safety of their loved ones. The recognition of Palestinian statehood, they argued, is about acknowledging an inherent right to self-determination that predates the existence of Israel and Hamas. 

Furthermore, the speaker criticized the notion that recognition is a gift or reward, instead asserting that it is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people. They called for an end to practices that deny this right and suggested that recognition is essential for rectifying historical injustices. The discussion underscored the urgent need for accountability, sanctions, and a commitment to building a future that acknowledges these past wrongs, aiming to bring about peace and justice for all parties involved.

In a discussion about the political situation in the Palestinian territories, concerns were raised regarding the strength and capability of the Palestinian Authority to engage in meaningful processes, particularly in light of their failure to hold elections for many years and widespread corruption allegations. Despite this, the speaker emphasized that the core issue at hand is not about electoral processes or the Authority's behaviour, but rather about their very existence and the ongoing violence they face. 

They argued for a commitment to democratic renewal, stating that elections cannot be feasibly convened amid a backdrop of genocide and military occupation. The speaker highlighted the harsh realities on the ground, such as settler violence, numerous checkpoints that restrict movement, and the disenfranchisement of a significant population in Jerusalem. They asserted that a genuine democratic process cannot coexist with military occupation and stressed the need to focus on the root causes of the conflict, particularly the necessity of ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign state of Palestine.

They also posited that recognition of Palestine is a foundational step toward achieving these goals, and warned that any opposition to this recognition would hinder progress and lead to a regression of efforts for peace and statehood.

Israel adheres to the principles of the occupation established in 1967

On September 13, 1993, the Oslo Accords initiated the first direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, envisioning a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Unfortunately, that envisioned outcome has not materialized.

Regarding the faulty, one-sided Oslo Accords, as they failed to address Palestine's Statehood and its sovereignty.  It was merely a modification of the Yigal Allon plan. 

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has been under military occupation by Israel since 7 June 1967. Israel believes that the principles of occupation outlined in 1967 are still relevant and applicable. 

Therefore, it is a call for the UK, Canada, Australia, and France to actively engage in delineating the boundaries of a potential Palestinian state. This includes addressing issues of land, airspace, and military rights to enable Palestinians to protect themselves effectively. Signed in 1993 (Oslo I) and 1995 (Oslo II), the accords established limited Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which was a significant mistake that needs to be corrected this time. Because Israel continued its expansion of Jewish settlement in this region. 

It is vital for the UK to uphold its stance on Palestinian statehood despite potential pressures from the United States, thus recognizing the hopes of Palestinians. Simultaneously, preventing genocide and securing a ceasefire are even more critical. Regarding the daily mass killing of Palestinians, Dianna Buttu stated, "Do something to stop it, rather than focus on the issue of statehood.” The welfare and security of Palestinian children should be a priority, allowing them to live in an environment of safety and opportunity.

Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst.