SAEDNEWS: Amid a growing number of European countries recognizing Palestine as an independent state, the historic cohesion of the West on the Middle East crisis is rapidly unraveling. What was once seen as a unified policy in support of Israel has now become a battleground of diplomatic conflict, double standards, and public pressure.
According to Saed News, citing Russia Today, recent developments in Europe indicate that the political divide in the West over the Palestinian issue has deepened more than ever before. While countries such as Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia have taken formal steps to recognize Palestine as a state, the United States and its staunchest allies continue their unconditional support for Israel.
This divergence in positions marks a clear sign of the collapse of Western consensus on one of the most significant issues in international politics.
In recent months, at least five European countries have announced that they recognize Palestine as an independent state or are on the verge of doing so. This new wave has been accompanied by official statements supporting the "right of Palestinians to self-determination" and an "end to occupation."
These decisions come amid:
The Gaza war, with heavy civilian casualties, damaging Israel’s image in European public opinion;
Increasing domestic pressure from European citizens and human rights organizations;
The rise of center-left and progressive governments in Europe, adopting a more critical stance toward Israeli policies.
On the surface, some analysts believe that the Western divisions are tactical and temporary; however, recent behavioral data from governments and political institutions suggest this rift could become structural and long-lasting.
Countries like France and Germany, which traditionally played the role of “moderate mediators,” are now facing growing pressure to shift their policies. Especially in France, leftist parties and parts of the Muslim community have called for a clearer stance against Israel.
Tel Aviv has reacted strongly to the growing recognition of Palestine in Europe. The Israeli government has recalled its ambassadors from several European countries, describing these actions as “rewarding terrorism.”
Israel has also threatened to reassess its relations with interfering countries, although experts believe these responses are largely symbolic rather than having practical impact.
While a reassessment process is underway in Europe, the United States continues to adhere to its longstanding policy. The Biden administration has stated that the “right time” to recognize Palestine has not yet arrived, and such a move should occur within the framework of “bilateral negotiations” between Palestinians and Israel.
Critics, however, view this approach as political procrastination and a justification for maintaining the status quo. They argue that Washington’s unconditional support for Israel has effectively eliminated any chance for a fair negotiation.
One of the driving forces behind this shift in Europe is changing public opinion. In European countries, especially among the younger generation, support for Palestine has become a symbol of resistance against colonialism, racism, and injustice.
Mass demonstrations in London, Madrid, Paris, and Oslo, drawing millions to the streets, clearly demonstrate the power of this social wave.
For many Western citizens, support for Palestine is no longer just a foreign policy issue but a test of sincerity in defending human rights.
The recognition of Palestine has coincided with judicial proceedings against Israeli leaders at the International Criminal Court (ICC). War crime complaints related to Gaza have now taken on an official tone, and these legal pressures have strengthened the legitimacy of European diplomatic actions.
At the same time, Palestine has been recognized as a “non-member observer state” at the United Nations since 2012, providing a legal basis for full recognition.
The recognition process could have long-term effects, including:
Strengthening Palestine’s position in international negotiations
Increasing Israel’s diplomatic isolation in Europe
Pressuring the United States to reconsider its traditional policies
Shifting the balance of power within international bodies such as the UN Security Council and General Assembly
Moreover, this changing dynamic may deepen divisions within traditional Western alliances like NATO or the Council of Europe, especially if the Palestinian issue intertwines with other global crises such as migration and extremism.
The Western world, once united in its policy toward Israel, now faces internal conflicts over values, interests, and public pressure.
Recognition of Palestine by parts of Europe is not merely symbolic but a warning bell for the traditional structure of Western diplomacy.
If this trend continues, the geopolitical order established after World War II based on Western alliances may face fundamental cracks—cracks that begin in the heart of the Middle East but extend to the capitals of Europe and Washington.
