PARIS: The Mideast war, raging in Gaza since October 7 attack, has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own. Slovenia on Tuesday became the latest country to recognise a state of Palestine, breaking with the long-held view of Western powers that Palestinians can only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace with Israel. This follows the same move made last week by Spain, Ireland and Norway.
Their action, which has infuriated Israel, means that 146 out of the 193 UN member states now recognise a Palestinian state. They include most Middle Eastern, African, Latin American and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, the majority of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.
In April, the United States used its veto at the UN Security Council to prevent a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member state.
Israel's relentless offensive in Gaza, which has left at least 36,586 people dead, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory, has boosted support in Europe for Palestinian statehood.
Israel launched its bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza with the aim of destroying Palestinian movement Hamas, after the group's surprise attack on October 7 which resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, according to a tally based on Israeli official figures. Palestinian groups also took 251 captives, 120 of whom remain in Gaza, including 41 the army says are dead.
After months of warnings, Norway, Spain and Ireland last week finally took the step, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describing it as a matter of "historic justice."
After Slovenia's vote on Tuesday, Prime Minister Robert Golob wrote on the government's account on social media site X that the recognition "sends hope to the Palestinian people".
Malta and Australia have also floated the possibility of endorsing Palestinian statehood.
President Emmanuel Macron has said he would be prepared to recognise a Palestinian state, but such a move should "come at a useful moment" and not be based on "emotion". — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
