The international community is divided over Palestinian statehood.

On April 2, the Palestinian Authority (PA) formally applied to the UN Security Council for full membership. Achieving member-state status in the United Nations requires support from both the General Assembly and the Security Council, without vetoes from the U.S., France, China, Britain, or Russia.

On May 10, the United Nations General Assembly voted on Palestine’s full membership. The resolution passed with 143 votes in favor and nine against, including the U.S. and Israel, while 25 countries abstained. This adopted resolution will grant Palestinians more rights and privileges starting in September, such as a seat in the assembly hall without voting rights. Previously, in 2012, the UN General Assembly granted Palestine de-facto membership.

The U.S. maintains that “unilateral measures” at the UN or on the ground will not lead to a two-state solution. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood argued that Palestinian statehood “requires direct negotiations between the parties.” Israel is seeking U.S. support to cut off funding to the UN, citing American law that allows the state to withhold funding from any UN organization that grants full membership to entities lacking “internationally recognized attributes” of statehood. This occurred in 2011 when the U.S. ceased funding UNESCO after Palestine joined as a “full member.”

On May 15, Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Michael Martin, stated that recognizing a Palestinian state would bolster the “Arab peace initiative” and the two-state solution, signaling support for Palestinian self-determination. On May 28, during a debate in the French Parliament, French President Emmanuel Macron declared France’s readiness to recognize Palestine, adding that “this recognition must come at a useful time,” alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The Danish parliament rejected a bill recognizing Palestinian statehood, citing inadequate preconditions. However, on May 29, Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognized Palestine and encouraged other EU members to do the same, observing the pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of both Palestine and Israel. Despite a general consensus to avoid regional conflict and pursue a peace settlement where both parties coexist peacefully within the EU, there is disagreement on the approach to state recognition, heightening internal tensions. Simultaneously, on June 4, the Slovenian parliament unanimously voted to recognize a Palestinian state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to the PA, stated that Israel “will not allow the establishment of a terrorist state” that would constantly threaten Israel. Although the PA represents Palestine at the UN, it was overthrown by Hamas in 2007. Israel aims to “dismantle Hamas’ governing capabilities” and replace it with an alternative government. There is concern that an established Palestine could become a base for Iran to “work towards the destruction of Israel.”

Israel’s right to self-defense, as well as Hamas’s right to resist occupation, is acknowledged under international humanitarian law, which permits armed resistance to achieve self-determination and sovereignty. Increased international recognition could reduce violence and pave the way toward a two-state solution.

Netanyahu equates his potential political downfall with the destruction of Israel’s future, often framing pro-Palestinian rhetoric and criticism as anti-Semitic, using religion to advance political goals. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, noted that support for “Palestinian state-building” is often perceived as an “anti-Semitic attack.”

Despite this, Israel faces increasing isolation internationally, as evidenced by the World Court’s orders to halt its military actions and the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several others.

The U.S. initially pushed for a two-state solution but now aligns more closely with Israel, asserting that Hamas cannot govern Gaza. This reflects America’s unwavering support for Israel in the Middle East, despite its image as a champion of liberty and human rights. As President Joe Biden remarked, “If there weren’t an Israel, we’d have to invent one.”