Western recognition of Palestinian state draws mixed reactions

Many in Gaza hail move as sign of hope, while Israelis voice anger and concern

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Displaced Palestinians evacuating an area in Gaza City targeted by an Israeli air strike on Sept 21. At least 32 people were killed that day in Gaza City in Israeli strikes, according to the territory's civil defence agency, a rescue force operating under Hamas authority. PHOTO: EPA

(EPA)

The recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Canada and Australia on Sept 21 drew sharply contrasting reactions, with Palestinians in Gaza hailing it as a sign of hope, while Israelis voiced anger and concern.

In Gaza, many saw the recognition as an affirmation of their existence after nearly two years of war between Hamas and Israel.

“We shouldn’t just be numbers in the news,” said Ms Salwa Mansour, 35, who was displaced from Rafah to Al-Mawasi, which the Israeli military has declared a humanitarian zone.

“This recognition shows that the world is finally starting to hear our voice and that in itself is a moral victory,” she said.

“Despite all the pain, death and massacres we're living through, we cling to anything that brings even the smallest bit of hope,” she added.

Britain and Canada became the first members of the Group of Seven advanced economies to take the step to recognise a Palestinian state in a bid to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza.