As US clings to Israel, world edges toward recognising Palestine
By Our Staff Reporter
Despite a US Congressional vote sustaining full military funding for Israel, global momentum grows for recognising Palestine, signalling a potential diplomatic shift on the Palestinian question
THE WORLDVIEW
July 30, 2025
THE United States Congress recently voted overwhelmingly to continue funding for Israel's military programmes, thus defeating an amendment proposed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene aimed to cut $500 million in funding for its missile defence system. Only six members voted in favour of the amendment and 422 against, reflecting broad support for maintaining aid to Israel. The vote obviously reflected a deeply entrenched bipartisan allegiance to Israel, despite a growing tide of public disapproval regarding Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The defeated bill was introduced as a symbolic rebuke of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where mounting evidence suggests large-scale civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure destruction, and potential breaches of international law are taking place on a regular basis. Numerous UN agencies and human rights organisations have described the situation as one of the gravest humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with some experts warning of genocidal intent. Reports now estimate over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and the near-total siege of Gaza's 2.1 million residents, many of whom face starvation and medical collapse.
Those who opposed the aid reduction span both the Democratic and Republican parties and include influential legislators who view the US-Israel alliance as a bedrock of American foreign policy and Western strategic interests. Their steadfast support appears largely unaffected by the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, underscoring the primacy of perceived mutual security over mounting global concerns.
Despite this Congressional stance, diplomatic winds are shifting elsewhere. A number of world leaders have recently voiced support for Palestinian statehood, conditioned on an end to hostilities in Gaza and a viable peace framework. Among them are French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom have suggested recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state could serve as a vital step towards a two-state solution.
President Macron has reiterated France’s commitment to this vision, calling for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations and a lifting of the siege. He has framed Palestinian recognition not only as a moral necessity but as a pragmatic move to restore stability in the region. France has signalled its intent to formally recognise the State of Palestine by September, aiming to reinvigorate long-stalled peace talks.
Similarly, Keir Starmer has stated that a Labour-led government would support Palestinian statehood, provided that Israel agrees to a durable ceasefire and commits to serious negotiations. This marks a significant departure from the more cautious approach historically taken by British governments. Starmer's stance echoes a broader shift in public sentiment in the UK, where increasing numbers are calling for a more balanced and principled approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These developments coincide with a three-day international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations. The conference, which began on Monday, is aimed at building consensus around the recognition of Palestine as part of a lasting peace settlement. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot opened the proceedings with a clear message: “Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud echoed this call, announcing a $300 million aid package for Gaza and the West Bank and affirming Saudi Arabia’s support for Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital. “This is not merely a political stance, but a firm conviction that an independent Palestinian state is the true key to peace in the region,” he stated.
Sixteen other nations and international delegations — including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Union— are co-chairing the talks. In the UK, Starmer is under growing pressure from within his party to push for formal recognition. More than 220 MPs — approximately a third of Parliament —recently signed a letter urging him to take decisive action.
This flurry of international activity stands in stark contrast to the inertia of the US Congress, highlighting a widening gap between American political orthodoxy and evolving global diplomacy. As Washington doubles down on its longstanding pro-Israel stance, other global powers are taking bolder steps toward recognising Palestinian statehood and demanding accountability.
In conclusion, while the US vote underscores the enduring strength of the pro-Israel lobby, growing international momentum may soon redefine the diplomatic contours of the conflict. With leading voices like Macron, Starmer, and others stepping forward, a new chapter — founded on statehood, justice, and mutual security — may be beginning to take shape.