Trump could formally recognise Palestine: Reports
The ongoing diplomatic tensions in the Middle East have been further fueled by reports that US President Donald Trump may formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state at the upcoming Gulf-US summit in Saudi Arabia. This move, if confirmed, would be a significant shift in the US’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and could have far-reaching implications for the region.
According to reports, Trump’s administration is considering the move as a way to pressure Israel into making concessions on the long-standing dispute. The idea is that by recognising Palestine as a sovereign state, the US would be sending a clear message to Israel that it must take concrete steps towards a two-state solution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Notably, Palestine is already recognised as a sovereign nation by 147 countries, including Russia and most nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, most Western European countries, Israel, and the US do not officially consider it a sovereign state. The US has traditionally been one of the strongest backers of Israel, and has consistently blocked UN resolutions that would have granted Palestine full recognition.
The proposed recognition of Palestine is seen as a step towards a more balanced approach in the Middle East, where the US has been struggling to find a way to mediate the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The move is also seen as a way to counterbalance the growing influence of Iran in the region, which has been a major supporter of Palestinian resistance groups.
The Gulf-US summit, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, provides the perfect platform for Trump to make this announcement. The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other Gulf states to discuss regional security and economic issues.
However, not everyone is pleased with the idea of Trump recognising Palestine. Israel has already voiced its opposition to the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that it would be a “grave mistake” and would “undermine the efforts to promote peace in the Middle East”.
The Israeli government has long been opposed to the idea of a Palestinian state, and has instead advocated for a “two-state solution” that would see the Palestinians granted autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but not full sovereignty.
The Trump administration has previously taken steps to shift the US’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2017, Trump announced that the US would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a move that was widely seen as a betrayal of the Palestinians.
The proposed recognition of Palestine is seen as a way to correct some of the imbalance caused by the Jerusalem announcement. However, it is still unclear whether Trump will actually make the announcement, and the timing of the move is also uncertain.
In the meantime, the Palestinians have been pushing for international recognition of their state. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been leading the efforts, and has gained support from many countries around the world.
The Palestinian Authority has also been working to strengthen its institutions and economy, in preparation for the eventual establishment of a sovereign state. The move towards recognition of Palestine is seen as a major step forward in this process.
In conclusion, the reports that Trump may formally recognise Palestine are significant, and could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East. The move would be a major shift in the US’ stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and would likely be met with opposition from Israel and its supporters.
However, it is also an opportunity for the US to take a more balanced approach in the region, and to support the Palestinians in their quest for statehood. The outcome of the Gulf-US summit will be closely watched, and will provide a clear indication of whether the US is serious about recognising Palestine.
Source:
https://www.rt.com/news/617368-trump-could-recognize-palestine/amp/
