The United Kingdom, Canada, France, and several other countries announced their recognition of the State of Palestine earlier this week. This diplomatic move marks a significant step in the ongoing pursuit of peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bringing the total number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine to 157.

These developments enhance the State of Palestine's standing in its quest for true sovereignty, offering Palestinians a glimmer of hope for historic change.

"Recognition from Western nations like the UK and Canada gives us renewed hope for our struggle", Mohammed Abu Khousa, a resident of Deir el-Balah in Gaza, said. "This could encourage more countries to recognize the State of Palestine and bring an end to the conflict".

Palestinians march in Ramallah, West Bank, on 23/9 to thank the countries that recognized the State of Palestine. Photo: AFP

Palestinians march in Ramallah, West Bank, on 23/9 to thank the countries that recognized the State of Palestine. Photo: AFP

Adel Shadid, a researcher in the West Bank, said the recognition undermines Israel's attempts to deny the existence of the Palestinian people and increases political, economic, and moral pressure on Tel Aviv.

"More than 10 countries changing their stance, including European powers on the Security Council, is a shock to Israel, as these countries were among those that helped establish it", Shadid told Al Jazeera. This recognition not only reflects the belief that Palestinians have the right to a state but also demonstrates a shift in Western perceptions of Israel.

Israel was established in 1948, a year after the United Nations partitioned British Mandate Palestine into separate areas for Palestinians and Jews, aiming to create two distinct states. The UN envisioned a Palestinian state comprising the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. However, wars in the following decades, coupled with Israel's occupation and illegal settlement construction in the West Bank, have hindered these efforts.

For Ibrahim Manna, a Palestinian living in Canada, Ottawa's recognition, while belated, is "welcome news".

"Hopefully, the world has finally seen the wrongs, after so many lives have been lost", Manna said, referring to the war in Gaza. He added that his family in Gaza believes this could be a step toward peace.

"This recognition shows the world is listening to us. It's a moral victory", said Salwa Mansour, a resident of Rafah, Gaza's second-largest city. "Despite the tragedy we are enduring, we cling to anything that offers even a sliver of hope".

Borders of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank after the 1967 war. Graphic: BBC

Borders of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank after the 1967 war. Graphic: BBC

However, amidst the joy, many Palestinians fear Israel might intensify its actions to obstruct the two-state solution. Shadid noted Israel's long-standing efforts to undermine any chance of peace.

"Even if the entire world recognizes Palestine, the state will only exist on paper without territory and geographic space. This is why Israel is increasing its occupation of Palestinian land and expanding illegal settlements", Shadid said.

Mohammed Azzam, a resident of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, believes that recognition alone is insufficient, as many other countries have done the same without tangible results.

"On the contrary, attacks, killings, and arrests by Israeli settlers are increasing, and checkpoints are everywhere in the West Bank. They divide our cities and villages. Therefore, even if European countries recognize Palestine, it doesn't practically help us", Azzam continued.

After a brief ceasefire in the latter half of January, Israel resumed its campaign in Gaza in March and is escalating its offensive to occupy Gaza City, the largest city in the strip. While West Bank Palestinians haven't faced the same devastation as those in Gaza, they are also under increased Israeli control.

Israel's 700-km "security barrier" cuts across roads and divides Palestinian communities in the West Bank, controlling access to Jordan. UN data from May reveals 849 checkpoints and obstacles hindering movement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 36% of these were erected after the Gaza ceasefire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on 21/9 that Western recognition of the State of Palestine "threatens Israel's existence", asserting that Tel Aviv will continue expanding West Bank settlements. One such project is E1, a vacant area east of Jerusalem, which would bisect the West Bank and block Palestinian access to East Jerusalem.

Far-right Israeli cabinet members like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Ben Gvir have even called for Israel to annex the West Bank in response to the recognition.

Researcher Adel Shadid being interviewed on the outskirts of Hebron, West Bank. Photo: Al Jazeera

Researcher Adel Shadid being interviewed on the outskirts of Hebron, West Bank. Photo: Al Jazeera

Most analysts view the Western recognition as a significant but largely symbolic gesture, unlikely to effect immediate change on the ground.

Despite concerns about Israel's continued hardline policies, Shadid believes that "all power has limits, and what Israel is doing cannot last forever".

Yazan Hmeid, a Gaza native now living in the West Bank, remains hopeful. He has a neck tattoo that translates to "patience".

"If not today, then tomorrow. Maybe in one, two, or 10 years, but one thing is certain: Palestine will be liberated one day", Hmeid told ABC. "Palestine will be a country, our country".

Nhu Tam (Al Jazeera, ABC, Arab News)