Ireland’s recognition of Palestine: symbol or substance?

European countries that have recognised Palestinian statehood have to decide what impact they will have on achieving a two-state solution, writes Judy Dempsey

In May, the governments of Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state. The war between Israel and Hamas was the catalyst. 

Dublin, Oslo and Madrid had lobbied other European governments to be consistent in recognising the state of Palestine and in trying to push forward the idea of two states – Israel and Palestine, living side by side. Their efforts, so far, have come to nought.

Now that they have unilaterally recognised Palestine, they face tough questions. First, what do they want this decision to achieve for it not to be just a symbolic gesture? 

A state needs land, sovereignty, independence and internationally recognised borders. Palestine has none of these. 

The illegal Israeli settlements entrenched in the occupied West Bank, which have continued during the Israel-Hamas war, make a viable Palestinian state impossible. 

And, despite support from the Biden administration for a two-state solution, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the idea. 

Second, what role will Europeans play, if any, in making a Palestinian state viable? 

For decades, the EU paid lip service to the two-state idea, but it was toothless in stopping the expansion of settlements and the flow of funds to the corrupt Palestinian Authority at the expense of genuinely independent civil society movements.

The longer the settlement expansion continued, the more radicalised Palestinian society became. Hamas found fertile ground in Gaza, which it has controlled since 2007 following Israel’s withdrawal from the settlements in 2005. 

Since then, Gaza’s population has been subject to the dictates of Hamas, which has tolerated no dissent, and to Israel, which has strictly controlled the movement of people, trade, goods and food in and out of Gaza.

Now, EU divisions over the conflict are deeper than ever with little prospect of unity on the issue of ending the war or recognising Palestine. 

Some other EU countries may follow Ireland, Norway and Spain – but don’t expect unanimity. Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania have yet to recognise the independence of Kosovo, which was declared as far back as 2008.

If unity is impossible over Israel and Gaza, maybe it is time to find interim options. 
What about forming coalitions of the willing instead of enduring endless disagreements and diluted foreign policy decisions?

The EU’s differences over how Ukraine could restore its sovereignty and the ongoing disputes over the Israel-Palestinian conflict highlight the need for such coalitions to overcome deadlocks. 

While not ideal, this approach may prompt EU policymakers to realise that constant disunity makes Europe weak and ineffective.