International community should uphold the foundations of two-state solution

In a landmark shift in position, more Western countries — Australia, Canada, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom — have announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood. As they are traditional supporters of Israel and key allies of the United States that generally follow its line, this marks a significant moment for the international community's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately denounced their decision, calling it "a huge reward for terrorism". But that is an attempt to move the goal posts. These nations join a growing list of countries — already more than two-thirds of United Nations members — that recognize a Palestinian state.

Obviously, the catalyst for the change in position of these countries is Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have exceeded the bounds of a legitimate response to Hamas' attacks on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.