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By Zinaida Miller
Dr. Miller is a professor of law and international affairs at Northeastern University
As famine looms in Gaza, the nations of France, Britain and Canada have declared their intent to recognize a Palestinian state. The immediate response from Israel and the United States was alarm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel labeled such action a “reward” for Hamas, which was responsible for the killing of about 1,200 people in Israel in its Oct. 7, 2023, attack. American officials condemned the planned recognition.
Nevertheless, a new wave of recognition would represent a clear affirmation of Palestinian political independence and territorial integrity — no small matter after decades of diplomatic ambiguity and Israel’s longstanding violation of the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Given that sovereignty is the currency of international law, the move could provide advocates for Palestinian rights more leverage for pushing their governments to comply with international law regarding Israel.
