The United Kingdom, alongside Canada, Australia, and Portugal, announced its recognition of Palestine on Sunday ahead of a United Nations conference aimed at reviving the two-state solution. With nearly 150 countries now recognizing Palestinian statehood, the move was described as long overdue in the face of "Israel’s" decades-long denial of Palestinian rights.

But Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, in an article for The New York Times, states that for Palestinians under bombardment in Gaza, the gesture appears hollow. Without concrete measures to halt the destruction and forced displacement, recognition risks becoming a symbolic act that fails to change realities on the ground.

As "Israel’s" assault on Gaza continues, with entire neighborhoods destroyed and millions displaced, critics stress that recognition must go hand in hand with accountability. Barghouti says simply declaring support for Palestine while ignoring the genocide and forced displacement policies serves only as political cover for Western governments complicit in the ongoing war.

Barghouti has repeatedly emphasized that statehood cannot be treated as a bargaining chip. Instead, he argues, the international community must impose binding measures on "Israel" to ensure the right to self-determination becomes a reality.

Settlement expansion and 'Israel’s' long-term strategy

While diplomatic recognition makes headlines, "Israel" continues expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank. In August, the government approved building in the sensitive E1 area east of occupied al-Quds, effectively dividing the West Bank in two.

Since December 2022, the far-right government has advanced plans for more than 20 new settlements. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly stated that the goal is to “avoid the establishment of a Palestinian state” and to entrench permanent Israeli control over the territory.

Barghouti cites analysts in saying that only meaningful action can shift the balance. That means halting arms sales, suspending trade privileges, and imposing sanctions on "Israel" until it complies with international law. Rights groups have long demanded a comprehensive embargo, citing the apartheid system imposed on Palestinians both in the West Bank and in Gaza.

He also said that Western governments must also repeal discriminatory laws, including "Israel’s" legislation that reserves self-determination exclusively for Jewish citizens, in direct violation of Palestinian rights.

Toward justice and real peace for Palestine

Barghouti emphasized that recognition of Palestine is an important diplomatic step, but it cannot remain symbolic. As long as Gaza is devastated, millions remain stateless, and occupation continues unchecked, peace will remain out of reach.

True justice, he says, requires dismantling apartheid structures and holding "Israel" accountable. Only then can Palestinians gain the freedom, sovereignty, and security denied to them for decades.