Palestinians Seek More than Recognition: Calls for Action in West Bank

Tue Oct 14 2025 18:33:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians express skepticism about recent international recognition of statehood, emphasizing the need for tangible solutions to their plight amid ongoing Israeli actions.

Many Palestinians in the West Bank are voicing concerns that Western recognition of their statehood is insufficient. As calls for solutions grow, they emphasize that genuine rights and a stable future must accompany recognition, amidst fears of increasing Israeli control and settlement expansion.

In Ramallah - the de facto Palestinian capital of the occupied West Bank - many fear Western recognition of Palestinian statehood is too little, too late.

I'm really glad that there are people who can see our suffering in Palestine and understand the problems we're going through, says Diaa, 23, who did not want to give his full name.

But while recognition is important, what we really need are solutions.

This city is home to government buildings, diplomatic missions, and a sprawling presidential palace.

But for many Palestinians, the dream remains that East Jerusalem - just a few miles south but largely cut off by Israel's separation barrier - could become their capital under a two-state solution, which would create an independent Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, alongside Israel.

It is with that stated goal that the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, Andorra, and Monaco announced formal recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

Recognition is a positive after all this time, says Kamal Daowd, 40, on a busy Ramallah street. But without international pressure it will not be enough.

If recognition comes without giving us our rights, he says. Then it's nothing more than ink on paper.

Israel has labelled the Western move a reward for terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday there will be no Palestinian state - while ultranationalists in his governing coalition went further, repeating calls for Israel to annex the West Bank outright.

In addition to international recognition, Palestinians face increased hurdles, including military checkpoints and settlement expansion, which threaten their aspirations for statehood. As tensions escalate with stringent Israeli policies, many Palestinians feel increasingly despondent about the prospect of a viable sovereign state.

Sabri Saidam, a senior member of Fatah, reflected that sentiments within the community lean toward doom, yet continued efforts for recognition persist, showcasing their desire for a hopeful future.