Europe finally beginning to recognise Israel is a bully
Sweden's new centre-left government has voted to formally recognise the state of Palestine, the first major European country to do so.
A two-state solution, negotiated in accordance with international law, requires mutual recognition and a will towards peaceful coexistence. Of the 193 UN member countries, 134 have already given diplomatic recognition to a sovereign Palestinian state for the oppressed people long denied their legitimate rights. Plaudits must also go to Britain for symbolically recognising the suffering of the Palestinians and awareness of unethical Israeli bullyrag policies.
Europe is growing impatient with the indefensible breakdown of efforts by Israel towards a two-state solution, continued building of illegal settlements, and the bloodletting in Gaza. Negotiations have been largely thwarted by extremist Israeli settlers. A permanent solution would require termination of Israel’s 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
