Tehran: An American writer and analyst says leaders of the European countries who have expressed their intention to recognize Palestine have not taken any step to halt the genocide in Gaza, adding that recognition without punitive measures on Israel will be a ‘symbolic’ move. In an interview with IRNA, Robert Fantina said that while the recognition of Palestinian statehood is not without merits, it is not enough if not accompanied by more serious measures to hold Israel accountable.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Fantina criticized European countries for their lack of action against the ongoing genocide and their historical neglect of Israeli atrocities. He emphasized that recognition of Palestine, though beneficial, must be paired with concrete actions such as arms embargoes and sanctions to make a real impact.
Following the International Palestine Conference at the UN, several European countries have announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Fantina sees this decision as a positive step but argues that it needs to be accompanied by substantial measures to ensure accountability for Israel’s actions.
The United States has condemned the decision of these European nations, asserting that Palestine seeks to destroy Israel-a claim Fantina dismisses as absurd given the power imbalance between Israel and Palestine. He predicts that this move will increase tensions between the U.S. and the European countries involved, potentially shifting global alliances and decreasing U.S. influence.
Fantina also addressed criticisms that European recognition of Palestine might actually benefit Israel rather than the Palestinian people. He believes that increased recognition will marginalize Israel on the international stage and bolster the position of the International Court of Justice. However, he acknowledges that the suffering of Palestinians will continue and history will judge harshly those who ignored it.
The American writer argues that recognition alone will not stop the violence in Gaza, as Israel will persist in its aggressive actions. Some European countries have imposed conditions on their recognition, such as the exclusion of Hamas from future elections-a condition Fantina criticizes given Hamas’s status as the democratically elected governing body in Gaza.
Fantina calls for a strong international peacekeeping force to be deployed to Palestine to end violence and oppression. He advocates for a complete halt to trade with Israel and the re-establishment of borders as defined by the United Nations in 1947-1948. He also emphasizes the need for international support in rebuilding Palestinian infrastructure and ensuring free and fair elections.
The writer concludes by urging the international community to support Palestine’s integration into the global community, highlighting the potential contributions of a liberated Palestine.