On September 23, a landmark move in international diplomacy was underscored when several Western nations formalised recognition of a Palestinian state.
The decision has triggered a mix of support, criticism and strategic re-calibration around the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to CNN.
Momentum builds: states shift policy
In a co-ordinated diplomatic push, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia publicly recognised the Palestinian state on September 21, declaring it a step toward reviving the two-state solution and countering Israel’s growing settlement expansion, according to The Guardian.
Reaction has been swift with Israel’s prime minister accusing these states of “rewarding terrorism” and vowed that recognition would not bind Israel, Reuters reported.
In a related move, France and Portugal have also formally recognised a Palestinian state, joining the growing list of nations affirming their support for a two-state solution.
At a high-level United Nations conference, Belgium, Malta, Andorra, Monaco and Luxembourg also recognised the Palestinian state.
This wave of recognition is symbolic yet carries practical consequences.
It strengthens the case for Palestine as a built-out diplomatic entity in multilateral settings, bolsters its status in negotiations and places pressure on states that have withheld recognition amidst the conflict.
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US response
The Trump administration has begun actively signalling that it will penalise allies that recognise Palestine unilaterally.
According to Politico, Washington intends to constrict diplomatic privileges, influence funding allocations and apply pressure in bilateral forums to deter further recognition.
The message is clear: recognition without United States backing, or in defiance of US foreign policy, will not go unchallenged.
This strategy aims to preserve US leverage in the Middle East and ensure that recognition does not undercut the administration’s preferred terms for peace or Israel’s security concerns.
Japanese warning
Japan has issued a strong warning to Israel while simultaneously holding off on formally recognising a Palestinian state, according to the Japan Times.
Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that Japan would consider “new measures” if Israel continues to block a two-state solution.
However, he clarified that Tokyo’s recognition of Palestine is not immediate, citing Israel’s hardened stance and opposition from the United States.
Nonetheless, Iwaya maintained a long-term view, stating, “For my country, the issue of recognising a Palestinian state is not a matter of if but when.”
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino