Tehran – The decades of Palestinian resilience and unwavering spirit of Israel’s oppression have pushed their cause to the forefront of the world’s attention at New York’s UN General Assembly this year.
World leaders and UN chiefs have added new importance to the suffering of Palestinians in the wake of Israel’s nearly two years of war in the Gaza Strip.
In his speech to the general meeting on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Anne Antonio Guterres placed particular emphasis on the war in Gaza.
“In Gaza, fear is approaching its third year. They are the result of a decision against basic humanity. The scale of death and destruction exceeds my years of conflict in my years,” he said.
Comments erupt in October 2023 and came against the backdrop of the Israeli war with Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 65,000 Palestinians. Hundreds more have starved and died in Israeli-induced hunger as Israeli forces continue their fatal push to Gaza city.
Speaking at Parliament on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the Israeli campaign and the campaign that made it possible.
“Ten thousands of innocent women and children are buried under the tile ble in Gaza. We cannot justify Gaza’s ongoing genocide. This massacre would not have happened without the cooperation of those who could prevent it,” Lula said.
Leaders from several countries reflected similar condemnations, describing Israel’s actions as atrocities and demanding accountability.
The Wave of Palestine’s Perception
The perception of Palestine by more and more Western countries has gained momentum.
On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France officially acknowledged the Palestine state, despite his country being counted among Israeli western supporters for a long time. Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Andorra followed suit on the same day. A day ago, the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal also recognized Palestine.
This awareness has accelerated dramatically since Israel launched its war with Gaza in October 2023. With the French decision, the United States is now the sole permanent member of the UN Security Council, which rejects recognition of Palestine.
In May 2024, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially acknowledged Palestine, aiming to revive efforts to provide solutions for the so-called two-states. In June 2024, Armenia and Slovenia took similar steps to further enhance the Palestine issue at the global stage.
The first formal declaration of the Palestinian state took place in 1988 during the first intifadas to which the late Jaserarafat declared independence. Algeria quickly recognized the declaration, and within a week dozen countries followed suit, mainly across the Middle East and Africa. Perceptions expanded into the 1990s and 2000s.
Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the quest for an independent Palestinian state has remained at the heart of Palestinian political aspirations. This demand cannot be separated from Nakba, the massive displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians during Israel’s creation. The forced expulsion of Palestinians was the basis of the Zionist movement’s ambition to build a nation with the majority of Jews.
Trump will make another note
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump diverged sharply from the global chorus. Addressing the General Assembly, Trump reiterated his claim that the perception of the Palestinian state by several Western countries in recent days would be Hamas’ “reward.” He also assaulted the United Nations, claiming that while the United Nations had resolved conflicts around the world, they “didn’t do anything.”
“Sadly, in all cases, the UN didn’t even try to help either of them,” Trump said.
The United States has not only strengthened its military support for Israel, but has repeatedly blocked the Security Council’s ceasefire resolution.
Symbolicity and reality
Analysts believe that pro-Palestinian comments by some of Israel’s western allies are motivated by tactical or political considerations, but the fact remains that Palestinian causes currently dominate the global agenda.
However, recognition alone does not guarantee meaningful changes. For many Palestinians and observers, these gestures run the risk of being considered primarily symbolic. For example, the movements of France and Britain are interpreted not only as principled positions, but as responses to strengthening domestic and international criticism of their role in arming and diplomatic protection of Israel.
Without the true international pressure to halt Israeli military operations and force Palestinian rights to respect, the risk of recognition becomes an empty moral gesture. For Palestinians, the path to a real state endures sanctions, accountability mechanisms, and political pressures to end occupation and siege.
Shift Global Consensus
Despite these restrictions, the emergence of Palestine as a top issue in the world highlights the increasing isolation of Israel and, importantly, the isolation of the United States.
Israel destroyed Gaza, but the Palestinian spirit of resistance and resilience lives on. Israel may conquer its territory, but it cannot crush the resolve of its people.
The world is attracting attention. Condemnation of Palestine’s perception and Israel’s actions are now growing across the continent. Meanwhile, the United States is increasingly finding itself alone.
For decades, US hegemony has determined a global narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But that hegemony has now collapsed like a house of cards in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Today, the division line is clear: the rest of the United States on one side and the other world.