Reports indicate the Trump administration and Israel are strategizing to split Gaza into two distinct zones. This division aims to weaken Hamas’s influence within the region. However, multiple Arab nations are expressing strong opposition, viewing such a move as a precursor to full Israeli occupation. Consequently, these nations are unlikely to provide peacekeeping forces under these potentially unstable conditions.
Moderate Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, are reportedly uneasy with concessions made to Qatar and Washington’s expanding defense agreements with Doha. These states support Gaza’s reconstruction, aligning with Israel’s position on Hamas disarmament and Palestinian Authority reforms, while simultaneously demanding a two-state solution. Despite normalization with Israel remaining an option, it is contingent on the full implementation of agreements, particularly those related to the Palestinian Authority and a genuine two-state solution, according to Saudi sources. Concerns also exist about the potential for Hamas to undermine the peace process, coupled with fears of renewed conflict during the interim period before the establishment of a multinational force and international oversight of Gaza.
Speaking via video to the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas stated his people’s rejection of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and asserted Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza post-war, requiring the group to surrender its weapons. Abbas condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a war crime, while also thanking world leaders who have stood up for Palestinians. He welcomed recent recognition of a Palestinian state but emphasized the need for further action, calling for the international community to ensure Palestinians obtain their rights. Abbas also reiterated his vision for a two-state solution, despite it appearing more distant amid Israel’s rejection of a Palestinian state.
Following the formal recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning. Netanyahu accused the nations of rewarding terrorism and asserted that a Palestinian state would not exist west of the Jordan River. This response reflects the Israeli government’s position amid ongoing conflict and international pressure. The Prime Minister also stated this was a stance he had held for years and would continue to maintain.
On September 22, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron recognized a Palestinian state during a UN summit aimed at garnering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal also took the symbolic step, applying pressure on Israel as its retaliatory war in Gaza intensified. Macron made the release of hostages held by Hamas a precondition for opening a French embassy to the Palestinian state, while Israel warned of repercussions. The United States opposed the move, with Germany also refusing to recognize a Palestinian state.
In a significant move amidst the ongoing Gaza war, France recognized Palestinian statehood at a high-profile United Nations meeting aimed at garnering support for a two-state solution. This announcement, met with applause, is part of a growing trend, with other nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal also recognizing Palestinian statehood. While the impact on the ground in the conflict is uncertain, the meeting highlighted the international community’s support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, despite opposition from the Israeli government. The move is supported by many as a way to resolve the conflict, while others are concerned that the move will reward Hamas.
Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip, publicly executed three men, accusing them of collaborating with Israel, a move captured on video and widely disseminated. This occurred concurrently with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Australian government defended its recognition, emphasizing the need to end the cycle of violence and advocating for a two-state solution. However, this decision drew criticism from the opposition and Jewish community leaders, who argued that it could embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts, especially given the absence of any clear plan to exclude Hamas from the future state.
In a symbolic but significant move, Britain, Canada, and Australia have recognized a Palestinian state. This recognition arrives late, as the possibility of a Palestinian state diminishes due to rapid territorial loss in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite the challenges, including the weakened Palestinian leadership, this action by Western governments conveys an important diplomatic message. Symbols hold significant value in international relations and provide a crucial signal to Palestinians.
Australia has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, aligning itself with over 150 other nations, and marking a significant shift in its Middle East policy. This declaration reflects Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution, acknowledging the aspirations of the Palestinian people while also setting conditions on the Palestinian Authority. The move has sparked strong reactions, with the Israeli Prime Minister criticizing the decision and the Palestinian Authority welcoming it, but also demanding further concrete action. The announcement comes amid ongoing international efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alongside climate and social media platform discussions.
Sunday marked a significant shift in international policy as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia officially recognized Palestine as a state, with several other nations expected to follow suit. This move, largely symbolic in nature, grants Palestine increased diplomatic standing amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The decisions, driven by the desire to revive the two-state solution, have sparked criticism from both Israel and the United States, who see this recognition as a reward for Hamas. Despite these criticisms, this recognition aligns these nations with over 140 other U.N. member states already recognizing Palestine, signaling a growing international consensus.
John Q. Hosedrinker