Recognition by certain nations in September hailed as a 'moral' action by a former American diplomat
In a significant statement, former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has proposed a time-bound, conditions-based approach for the international recognition of the State of Palestine. This approach, spanning approximately three years, aims to ensure that Palestinians meet specific security and governance criteria before full diplomatic recognition [1][3][4].
Blinken's proposal comes amidst the ongoing Gaza crisis, where Palestinian civilians continue to suffer, Israeli prisoners remain captive, and Israel has announced plans to occupy parts of the Strip [1][2][4]. Recognition, Blinken argues, should not be immediate, as it may distract from urgent humanitarian and security concerns [1][4].
The conditions for recognition include eliminating the control of terrorist groups, dismantling independent armed militias, avoiding alliances with groups rejecting Israel's existence, reforming curricula and public rhetoric to reject incitement, and building viable state institutions [1]. Blinken also urged Israel to develop a withdrawal plan from Gaza, halt settlement expansion, stop demolishing Palestinian homes, hold violent settlers accountable, respect the status quo at holy sites, and strengthen the Palestinian Authority [1].
Negotiations on borders, security, Jerusalem, and refugees, Blinken suggested, should proceed in parallel with the verification of compliance [1]. Blinken emphasized that urgent priorities should be preventing famine, freeing prisoners, and ending the war, with deeper discussions on a two-state solution to follow [1].
Blinken's proposal is a response to the recognition of Palestine by France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, which he described as a "morally correct step" reflecting a broad international consensus [2]. He argued that immediate recognition by some countries was "too hasty" amid the ongoing Gaza crisis [1][2][4].
Blinken's approach is designed to counter Hamas's objectives and set both Israelis and Palestinians on a path toward lasting peace and security. By focusing on responsibility and constructive state-building, Blinken believes this process is the "ultimate rebuke to Hamas's agenda of death and destruction" [1][2][4].
It is important to note that Blinken did not discuss the progress or lack thereof in freeing prisoners or ending the war. He also did not mention any new countries acknowledging the Palestinian right to self-determination, nor did he discuss the potential benefits of recognition for enabling Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and accelerating normalization with Arab states [1][4].
In conclusion, Blinken's proposed timeline is about three years for meeting conditions before full diplomatic recognition, focusing on responsibility and constructive state-building. This approach aims to address the ongoing Gaza crisis and pave the way for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Discussions surrounding policy-and-legislation involving war-and-conflicts, such as the recognition of the State of Palestine, are being influenced by former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's proposal for a time-bound, conditions-based approach. This proposal includes politics concerning Palestine's security, governance, and terrorism, along with general-news about the ongoing Gaza crisis and the urgent needs of its civilians.
