The recognition of Palestine by the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal, followed by France and several other countries, has brought new momentum to the idea of a two-state solution. Currently, more than 150 out of 193 United Nations (UN) member states have recognized Palestine, representing over three-quarters of the UN’s membership. Previously, the two-state solution had been introduced but lacked serious implementation.
Lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM), Muhadi Sugiono, stated that the two-state solution is a well-developed idea but has not been effectively implemented.
Sugiono explained that with such recognition, these countries are establishing official diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority.
“Recognizing a state is one of the essential elements in international law related to the establishment of a country,” he said on Friday (Sep. 26).
Referring to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, Sugiono noted that four criteria define a state: a permanent population, defined territorial boundaries, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
“Formal recognition can be granted if these criteria are fulfilled by the aspiring state,” he explained.
According to Sugiono, recognition from Western and European countries provides Palestine with the opportunity to apply for full membership in the United Nations.
“By becoming a full member of the United Nations, all rights and obligations can then be applied to the new state,” he added.
This would also strengthen Palestine’s position in international forums such as the UN.
He further noted that the United States, which has been a strong supporter of Israel, has begun to soften its stance, as seen in recent efforts to bring together Islamic countries, including Indonesia.
One proposal raised during these discussions concerned who would administer the disputed territories if recognition were granted and Israel were to withdraw.
“This indicates that the United States itself has started to feel uneasy with its position and is becoming increasingly uncertain,” Sugiono remarked.
He stressed that such recognition is not merely symbolic but carries legal consequences. If Palestine were to join the UN, it would automatically be included in UN programs, including those related to state-building and development.
However, he added that another pressing issue is how to address armed groups such as Hamas and whether they would be included in the process of establishing a Palestinian state.
The International Relations lecturer emphasized that this recognition could significantly alter the political constellation of Palestine.
Looking ahead, Sugiono suggested that the most realistic scenario, once recognition is secured and Palestine begins to integrate into the international system, is for the state to ensure control over its territory and the groups within it.
“While there is a Palestinian Authority government, there are also groups such as Hamas that act independently. The challenge will be how these groups can be united under a single institution called the State of Palestine,” he concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Illustration: AFP