Multiple Western Countries Recognize Palestine Amidst Refugee Issue Controversy

Several countries including France, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal recently recognized the State of Palestine, presenting it as a step towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the crucial issue of Palestinian refugees and their "right of return" was notably absent in their statements, despite being a core obstacle in the conflict. Palestinian refugees demand the right to return to homes lost in the 1948 war, a demand Israel rejects, fearing it would end its Jewish majority. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized countries recognizing Palestine, attributing their decisions to domestic political pressure fueled by high immigration levels, and warned the recognition could embolden Hamas. Meanwhile, British activists involved in a flotilla to Gaza criticized the UK government for recognizing Palestine without taking concrete actions to protect citizens or pressure Israel against aggression. Rubio also rebuked UK leadership for policies he believes do not advance peace efforts, emphasizing that recognition alone does not create a Palestinian state or resolve the conflict.