Italy Signals Support for Palestinian Statehood Amid Crisis

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated her country’s willingness to formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than 150 nations worldwide. This announcement follows a call from French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent address at the United Nations, where he affirmed that recognition of statehood is “a right” rather than a “reward.” This shift comes amid escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza, with reports from the United Nations alleging severe violations against Palestinians.

The conflict intensified following a significant attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly among civilians. Recognition of Palestine as a state introduces complex questions about its legitimacy, particularly as the territories claimed by Palestinians have been under Israeli military occupation for nearly six decades.

According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a state requires a permanent population, defined borders, a government, and the ability to engage in international relations. Although Palestine possesses a sizeable population and holds a status as a “permanent observer state” at the UN, it lacks internationally recognised borders, an army, and an official capital. The area of East Jerusalem, designated as the capital in the proposed two-state solution, has been under Israeli control since 1967 and is viewed as occupied territory.

Macron’s remarks included a commitment to establish a French embassy in a future Palestinian state, although the location remains unspecified. He emphasised the necessity for a contiguous territory, a requirement outlined in the Montevideo Convention. The presence of Israeli settlements disrupts the contiguity of the West Bank, further complicating the situation.

To achieve a recognised Palestinian state, the Israeli government must cease its opposition to statehood, while the United States, traditionally Israel’s main ally, would need to endorse a two-state solution—an unlikely scenario given the current political climate.

The envisioned borders for a future Palestinian state largely align with the 1967 parameters, encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. However, the ongoing Israeli occupation and settlement activities hinder this vision. Current estimates suggest around 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in the West Bank illegally, complicating prospects for a viable Palestinian state.

Elena Aoun, a professor at Belgium’s Catholic University of Louvain, noted that despite a consensus for returning to the 1967 borders, the Israeli colonisation efforts post-1993 Oslo Accords have made it increasingly difficult to achieve Palestinian sovereignty. She emphasised that a resolution necessitates direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

The Palestinian Authority (PA), led by President Mahmoud Abbas, remains the internationally recognised governing body for Palestinians. Established following the peace agreements in the 1990s, the PA governs parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while Hamas, classified as a terrorist organisation by the European Union, controls Gaza.

Macron has proposed a future where a demilitarised Palestinian state coexists alongside Israel. He urged the dismantling of Hamas and suggested a transitional administration in Gaza, involving the PA. France plans to assist in training security forces to facilitate this transition while contributing to an international stabilisation mission in the region.

However, the PA faces significant challenges, including a disconnect from its constituents and financial strain exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli occupation. While Hamas retains some support among Palestinians, Aoun noted its weakened position following the recent conflict.

The devastation in Gaza has left the Palestinian economy in dire straits. A report from the World Bank predicted that the conflict has led to the most severe economic contraction in generations. The EU, a major aid provider, announced a new aid package worth €120 million to support reconstruction efforts, despite previous destruction of EU-funded infrastructure by Israeli forces.

In light of these challenges, Macron proposed the establishment of a Palestine Donor Group to facilitate reconstruction efforts. This initiative aims to ensure that any future Palestinian state is economically viable. Aoun suggested the possibility of a UN-sponsored oversight committee to support reconstruction, drawing parallels with successful interventions in East Timor.

Macron further indicated that the establishment of a French embassy in Palestine would be contingent on the release of hostages held by Hamas, a critical issue also highlighted by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. De Wever stated that Belgium would only proceed with recognition of Palestine once all hostages are freed and Hamas is removed from governance.

As discussions surrounding Palestinian statehood continue, the international community remains divided on the path forward, with significant obstacles still to be addressed.