With an overwhelming majority the European Parliament has spoken in favour of the principle of Palestinian statehood. The motion backed such a set up
With an overwhelming majority the European Parliament has spoken in favour of the principle of Palestinian statehood.
The motion backed such a set up in theory, within the framework of a two state solution.
Compared to a resolution originally tabled calling on EU member states to recognise Palestine- this outcome was somewhat muted.
But it has still sparked some criticism with David Walzer,
Israeli Ambassador to the EU, speaking out against the move:
“The only way to achieve this ambitious goal is to have Israelis and Palestinians to sit in a room, around a table and directly negotiate a peace agreement; not in Strasbourg, not in New York, not in Geneva.’
Israel has long lobbied against any such resolution. But others argue this is a necessary step to bring stability to the Israel- Palestinian conflict. Gilles Pargneaux, a French centre-left MEP spoke to euronews after the vote:
“I told the Ambassador of Israel , having this recognition and resolution will enable you to have improved dialogue with Fatah , and Mahmoud Abbas , who will be strengthened, through our political resolution and our political pressure. “
In recent months numerous national parliaments in Europe have issued their own non binding resolutions.
It has perhaps symbolised a shifting attitude within the EU, but it is still one yet to result in any policy change.