In exclusive statements to ‘Sputnik’, he added that four countries recently recognizing Palestine comes within the context of the agenda set by the Palestinian issue on both the popular and global public levels. He pointed to the massive marches that took place with hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide, demanding an end to the criminal war, lifting the blockade, and reaching a political process leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the return of Palestinian refugees.
He explained that the pulse of the global street has clearly reflected on governments that have responded to the pressures of the demonstrating crowds. He noted that ‘these governments realize that the ongoing genocide would not have continued without the support, partnership, and cover-up of the occupation’s crimes by the American administration, and without the absence of practical mechanisms to pressure the occupation to stop the war and affirm the freedom and independence of the Palestinian people.’
Abu Youssef welcomed the recognition of Palestine and ‘expected more recognitions during the upcoming United Nations meeting in the coming days.’ He stressed that this step should not be isolated from its context. The recognition of the Palestinian state is important, but it must be accompanied by an immediate cessation of the war and a move towards a political process that leads to the end of occupation and colonization, the building and establishment of the Palestinian state, and the guarantee of the right of return for refugees based on international legitimacy decisions.
He called for immediate pressure on the occupation to stop the war and emphasized the necessity of embodying the recognized State of Palestine on the ground. He considered that all of this comes in the context of increasing isolation, as the world is becoming aware that Israel is a pariah state that does not recognize international laws and is witnessing the policy of killing, destruction, and killing of children and women.
He called for immediate sanctions on this extreme right-wing government, isolating it, prosecuting it, and stopping the war immediately. Yesterday, Sunday, witnessed an exceptional event with the recognition of Palestine by four Western countries: Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, officially recognizing the State of Palestine, a step described by Palestinians as ‘historic’. These decisions alarmed Israel, while the Palestinian Authority considered this day an ‘important milestone’, praising these countries for their stance.
Other countries, such as France, Malta, and Belgium, pledged to recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2025, amid rejection and condemnation of this step by Israel and America. Several Western countries’ statements on their intention faced rejection and condemnation from Israel and the United States.
The State of Palestine, along with Russia, is recognized by 151 out of 193 United Nations member states, while the United States has not recognized the State of Palestine and used its veto power in 2024 to prevent granting it full membership in the organization.
