he joint statement issued by Canada, France, and the United Kingdom regarding the genocidal war against our people in Gaza — in which they declared they would not stand idly by in the face of the crimes and starvation taking place — represents a qualitative turning point in the West’s relationship with and perception of the occupying state.

One of the key components of the statement was the recognition of the State of Palestine, effectively addressing the root cause of the conflict — the occupation.

This statement, which followed similar progressive positions from several European countries — most notably Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Norway — has triggered a snowball effect in the evolution of both European and global discourse. This shift is not only calling for an end to the starvation war and the delivery of humanitarian aid, but also for halting the campaign of ethnic cleansing and recognizing the State of Palestine.

One of the most important developments was the Dutch proposal to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which grants Israel preferential treatment. Article 2 of this agreement stipulates that Israel must respect human rights — something it clearly fails to do.

Indeed, this new awakening comes late — more than nineteen months into the genocidal war carried out by the occupying state against our people. But it is better that these positions come late than never.

Building on these positions, and in addition to the recognition of the State of Palestine by approximately 149 countries worldwide, as well as the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) affirming that all occupation-related actions since 1967 are illegal, and emphasizing the political, geographic, and legal unity of the Palestinian territories — it is essential to seriously consider how to invest in these political, legal, and moral "gains" in support of our people's struggle to end the occupation, apartheid, and genocide.

It is evident that the role of international popular solidarity movements has been pivotal in changing global perceptions of the occupying state. Additionally, many EU countries have come to feel that their economic interests and international reputation have been harmed by their failure to pursue independent policies from the United States in the Middle East.

The cries of solidarity in the streets of Europe have now reached parliaments and governments — many of which built their international image on respecting human rights and democratic values. These values have come under serious scrutiny after the broadcasted atrocities of the genocidal war by the occupying state, without any decisive action being taken.

Building on the experience of dismantling South Africa's apartheid regime requires demanding that European and global actors move from rhetoric to tangible actions. These should include the boycott and isolation of the occupying state, which is committing atrocities that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity — as confirmed by numerous international human rights organizations, most notably Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, along with the decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Investing in this tsunami of global outrage requires Palestinian effort — beginning with ending internal division, adopting a unified narrative, and renewing the declaration of recognition of the State of Palestine based on the June 4, 1967 borders.

Such a renewed declaration would capitalize on the current international momentum, which will culminate in a pivotal moment during the international conference scheduled for mid-July this year. Co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, the conference is expected to yield a key decision: recognizing the State of Palestine in accordance with international law — a move that would block the occupying state’s plans for annexation, Judaization, and ethnic cleansing, as enshrined in a Knesset decision that declared the establishment of a Palestinian state a “threat to the existence” of the occupying state.

The time has come to reinforce international momentum with effective national Palestinian mobilization.