Finally! Some recognition for the oppressed Palestinians

Sweden’s new centre-left government has voted to formally recognise the state of Palestine, the first major European country to progressively give the Palestinian people official recognition. 

A two-state solution, negotiated in accordance with international law, requires mutual recognition and a will for peaceful co-existence. Of the 193 UN member states, 134 already diplomatically recognise a sovereign Palestinian state for the people long denied their legitimate rights. 

Plaudits to Britain for symbolically recognising the suffering of the oppressed Palestinian people and awareness of morally unethical Israeli bullying policies.

Europe is growing impatient with the unconscionable and indefensible breakdown of the proposed two-state solution, continued expansion of illegal settlements, and the aftermath of the bloody Gaza conflict killing innocent civilians. 

No-go negotiations have been largely thwarted by right-wing Israeli settler extremists. A permanent solution would require termination of the stranglehold occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Global humanitarian efforts must oppose all biased discrimination, xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism in whatever form they may take.

Charles Frederickson

Bangkok