The recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Norway, and Ireland is crucial symbolic support for the Palestinians. This diplomatic move may encourage other European states such as Slovenia, Malta, and Belgium to follow suit.

To be sure, symbolism matters, but it remains just that if it is not part of a strategic vision and a practical, implementable roadmap to realize a viable Palestinian state given the United States’ reluctance to exert real pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations to end the war.

Sadly, in the short term, this recognition will not change the catastrophic humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza and the less covered settlers’ violence in the West Bank. Yet the unexpected renewed global attention to the Palestinian issue and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict provides a unique opportunity to think out of the box and make bold diplomatic decisions that may generate new momentum to impose a two-state solution on both sides of the conflict.

The horrific Hamas attack of October 7 and the unprecedented violent Israeli response are political game changers in the decades-long conflict. Regardless of what happens next, there will be no going back to the October 6 status quo.

Read the full article at Carnegie Europe.