The UK Parliament has now recognised a Palestinian state. The aim of the vote was to negotiate a two-state solution, enabling Israel and Palestine to work as states alongside each other. The non-binding vote supported by 274 MP’s has recognised Palestine as a state in its own right.
Naturally, Israel has condemned the vote – suggesting it has only undermined UK-Israeli relations, but why does this have to be the case?
It cannot be contested that as a state, Israel is stronger. Its’ military, economic rates of development, infrastructure, education and healthcare system, are all far more advanced than what currently exists in Palestine. Despite all of this, Palestine has great power that Israel does not have – global sympathy for their cause. This is what caused Israel’s sense of disappointment following the Parliamentary vote recognizing Palestine as a state in its own right.
But this is crucial. Without developing Palestine’s image globally there will be no development or progression in the region. We live in a world where reputation is everything. Israel destroyed theirs in the eyes of many by launching rocket attacks in Gaza. Palestine has for many years been a nation who has only been pitied by the rest of the world. This should no longer be the case, with the UK Parliament’s vote Palestine should gain confidence to begin developing their own internal structures to work alongside Israel, not only as its neighbor, but more importantly, as its equal.
Whilst this may be easy to say, it is clear that in reality there are many challenges to be faced. Palestine has no infrastructure enabling it to cope with the rate of globalization currently taking place. If it is to be taken seriously in its statehood, schools must be built, hospitals must be created, and roads and access must be given priority. With the creation of employment and a secure economy – slowly but surely businesses will flourish. The conflict here, should Palestine strengthen would be the security dilemma faced by Israel. The role of humanity and the individual cannot be undermined. The importance of understanding cultural and regional attitudes has never been more important. Although a potential source of conflict, it can be overcome. Israel will sooner or later have to accept that a fully functioning Palestinian state can and will be established. The UK Parliamentary vote may only be symbolic, but it was necessary. For how long can Egypt, Turkey, Jordan and Syria act as buffers against Israel-Palestine conflict? Israel have for many years refused development in Palestine – arguing it will take place only on Israeli terms. A symbolic vote by British MP’s may have caused a wave of change that Israel will have no choice but to accept. Netanyahu has acknowledged that recent Gaza conflicts has shown that cooperation amongst Arab partners is possible. The UK vote is crucial, but would it benefit from greater understanding of Middle Eastern politics? I think so, although the importance of the vote cannot be undermined. In a period of intense upheaval in the Middle East, the vote could not have come at a better time.