Palestinians doubt Western words will lead to action

As more countries recognize statehood, those on the ground expect little impact.

- SAMY MAGDY AND WAFAA SHURAFA

PALESTINIANS rally in the West Bank ahead of United Nations meetings.

(NASSER NASSER/Associated Press)

Palestinians across the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank welcomed news that a flurry of Western countries have recognized a Palestinian state, while expressing doubt the move will improve their dire circumstances.

On Monday, France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco announced or confirmed their recognition of a Palestinian state at the start of a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. Their announcements came a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal did the same. More nations are expected to follow, in defiance of Israel and the United States.

The recognitions “have strengthened the Palestinian legitimacy by recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people,” said Saeed Abu Elaish, a medic from the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza who has lost more than two dozen family members, including his wife and their two daughters.

“It’s also a call to stop the genocide and massacres in Gaza, as well as to stop the settlers’ encroachment on the West Bank,” he told the Associated Press.

Others downplayed the impact of the recognitions.

Huda Masawabi called them “worthless” as she joined a long line of fellow displaced people and overstuffed trucks heading south from Gaza City on Sunday.

“We just hope to God that someone outside would acknowledge us or even deal with us as mere human beings,” she said.