Is Israel nervous? Three-quarters of UN members support recognizing a Palestinian state.

An increasing number of UN member states have expressed their intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, hoping to end the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

According to Agence France-Presse, at least three-quarters of the UN’s 193 member states, or 145, are ready or about to recognize the State of Palestine. In addition to France, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are also prepared to recognize the State of Palestine.

Since the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli-Palestinian war in the Gaza Strip has reportedly reignited global calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state. This action has refuted the long-held view that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through negotiations with Israel.

Forty-nine hostages remain held since the Israeli-Palestinian war, and the Israeli military has stated that at least 27 of them have died.

According to a Central News Agency report, citing Agence France-Presse, hundreds of people marched in London, England, on the 10th, demanding Hamas release Israeli hostages held in Gaza and criticizing Britain’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state. Some of the hostages’ families also joined the march, which ultimately reached British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official residence at 10 Downing Street. Starmer has stated that Britain will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Many protesters waved Israeli flags or wore yellow ribbons to symbolize support for the hostages. March organizers believe Starmer should prioritize securing the hostages’ release.

A protester criticized Starmer’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September, saying, “I believe the government’s foreign policy is wrong. Now is the time to correct it and focus on rescuing the hostages.”

Starmer’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state follows announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders that they would recognize a Palestinian state, amid growing international concern about the dire humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories.

Separately, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg announced she will be collaborating with a Palestinian action group to form a new flotilla loaded with humanitarian aid to sail to the Gaza Strip to break Israel’s illegal blockade.

According to Agence France-Presse, Thunberg posted on Instagram on August 10th, “On August 31st, we will launch our largest-ever operation. Dozens of ships will set sail from Spain to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza.” She added, “On September 4th, we will be joined by dozens more ships departing from Tunisia and other ports.”

The initiative, called the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” involves participants from 44 countries and will include simultaneous demonstrations in support.

Humanitarian advocates, doctors, and artists, including American actress Susan Sarandon, Swedish actor Gustaf Skarsgård, and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, are scheduled to participate.

The Global Resilience Fleet describes itself on its website as an “independent” organization not affiliated with any government or political party.