Since the 1947 partition plan, the territory envisioned for a future Palestinian state has drastically diminished. What was initially allocated to the Palestinians has, through ongoing Israeli actions, transformed into a fragmented geographical reality, resembling isolated enclaves in Gaza and the West Bank.
Military operations and settlement expansion have steadily consumed significant portions of Palestinian land. Consequently, whenever the Palestinian side or international actors raise the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state, the fundamental question arises: What land remains for such a state?
Despite Israel’s continued settlement activity, international recognition of Palestine as a state has grown. This recognition has gained new political momentum, particularly during the years of the Israeli war on Gaza, with over 20 nations formally recognizing Palestine. Many of these nations hold considerable political influence, either as permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as France and Britain, or as members of the G27, including Canada, Australia, and Spain.
Today, the State of Palestine enjoys recognition from 158 out of the 193 member states of the United Nations. The ongoing challenge, however, remains the physical viability and territorial integrity of a future Palestinian state amidst persistent land loss.
DZWatch Analysis
