Foreign Minister Shahin Calls The Recognition Of Palestinian Countries Steps Forward Even Though It Doesn't Immediately Stop War

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. (Wikimedia Commons/Vlada Republie Slovenije/NebojRaca Teji Mariju/STA)

JAKARTA - Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said the recognition of the Palestinian State was a step forward, although it did not immediately stop the war.

He also said countries recognizing the Palestinian state this week were taking irreversible steps, preserving the two-state solutions and bringing independence and Palestinian sovereignty closer.

Britain, Canada, Portugal, and Australia officially recognized the Palestinian state on Sunday, joining other countries in a move aimed at reviving the momentum of the two-state solution, but were criticized by Israel and the United States.

"Now is the time. Tomorrow is a historic date that we need to continue. This is not the end," Foreign Minister Shahin told reporters in Ramallah.

"This is a move that brings us closer to sovereignty and independence. It may not end tomorrow's war, but this is a step forward, which we need to continue and strengthen," he said, referring to Israel's nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Shahin added that Israel had no intention of negotiating, referring to Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement at this month's ceremony to build new settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank that would separate the Palestinian community in the north from communities in the south.

"This confession is certainly not symbolic. This is a practical, real, and inevitable step that must be taken by countries if they commit to maintaining a two-state solution," said Foreign Minister Shahin.

Israel faces increasing diplomatic isolation this year, as many of its closest allies, except the US, have condemned its attacks on Gaza. Some have sanctioned Israeli ministers for inciting violence against Palestinians.

Foreign Minister Shahin said political pressure on Israel should be diverted to economic steps "to hold Israel accountable and protect the Palestinian people."

"Today, Gaza is on fire. Today, Gaza is destroyed. Today in Gaza, people are being systematically killed," Foreign Minister Shahin said, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel denies.