BAKU, August 1, 2025
The upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly in September could mark a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Kingdom, Canada, and several other nations have declared support for recognizing Palestine as an independent state—a move widely seen as a step toward legitimizing Palestinian statehood and reinvigorating the peace process in the Middle East.
According to Middle East expert Vugar Zifaroğlu, speaking to Oxu.Az, if major powers such as the UK, France, and Canada back this recognition at the UN Security Council, it could significantly shift the political and legal landscape in the region. Recognition would enhance Palestine’s legitimacy in global forums and open the door for it to fully engage in international institutions, including the International Criminal Court.
Zifaroğlu notes that such recognition by key Western allies of Israel would increase diplomatic pressure on Tel Aviv and could push Israel back toward negotiations on a two-state solution. “It would bring the ‘two-state solution’ back to the center of international dialogue and could help curb further Israeli settlement expansion,” he said.
He also pointed out that recognition would be well received across the Arab world and could ease tensions between Muslim countries and the West. Regional powers like Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia might either increase their support for Palestine or launch new diplomatic initiatives.
However, Zifaroğlu cautioned that formal recognition alone won’t end the conflict. “It won’t solve everything, but it would create a foundation for renewed diplomacy and boost the legitimacy of Palestinian leadership,” he said. Still, the move could provoke backlash from right-wing forces inside Israel and push the country further away from peace talks.
In conclusion, Zifaroğlu emphasized that while recognition could transform the political dynamics of the Middle East and reinforce the rule of international law, its real impact would depend on whether it is followed by sustained diplomacy and concrete peace efforts. Otherwise, it risks remaining a symbolic gesture.
