One of the greatest controversies in world affairs is whether Palestine qualifies as a country. Within Australia, this question raises complex historical, political, and legal issues that have been the focus of international debate. In this article, we explore the question: “Is Palestine a country?”
What defines a country?
Before starting the discussion about whether Palestine is a country or not, it is firstly important to know what a country is and its criteria. According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, a state possesses an identifiable population and an identified area.
- A permanent population
- A defined territory
- A government
- The ability to establish connections and engage with other nations.
These factors are often used to evaluate whether a political entity qualifies as a country in international law.
The historical context of Palestine
Modern political developments in Palestine are deeply rooted in its historical context. Situated at the crossroads of civilisations, Palestine holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Key historical events:
- Ottoman Rule (1516–1917): Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries.
- British Mandate (1917–1948): The League of Nations gave duty to Britain for monitoring Palestine after World War One.
- 1947 UN Partition Plan: The United Nation passed a resolution that Palestine be partitioned into a Jewish and Arab state, but since violence erupted, the plan was never actually realized.
- 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Following Israel’s declaration of independence in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced, and Palestinian territories were divided.
Is Palestine a country?
Yes, Palestine is recognized as a country by 146 out of 193 United Nations member states and holds the status of a non-member observer state at the UN. However, its full statehood is contested by some countries, including the United States, which has vetoed its full UN membership.
International recognition:
- United Nations: Since 2012, Palestine has been classified as a “non-member observer state” in the United Nations. Such status allows it to take part in debates and to sign the results of international treaties.
- Countries recognising Palestine: More than 135 countries around the world recognize it as a state; most of the relevant countries with regard to it are situated in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Countries not recognising Palestine: Australia, the United States, and several other European countries have not formally recognized Palestine as a state, but they have recognized the aspirations of the state.
Arguments for recognition:
- Defined borders: Palestine claims the territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip as its territory per the lines drawn before the war of 1967.
- Permanent population: Millions of Palestinians live within these territories.
- Governmental structure: The Palestinian Authority (PA) has power over certain regions in the West Bank, while the territory of Gaza is ruled by Hamas.
Challenges to Palestinian statehood
Palestine faces significant hurdles on the path to full sovereignty, including:
- Israeli settlements: The construction of Israeli settlements throughout West Bank territory is perhaps the greatest hindrance to defining Palestinian borders.
- Political divisions: The divide between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas hinders the possibility of governing in a single unit.
- Economic dependence: The limited resources and closed trading routes make Palestine dependent on aid from overseas.
- Ongoing conflict: Periodic violence between Israel and Palestinian groups continues to destabilise the region.
Australia’s position on Palestine
Regarding Palestinian statehood, Australia has always been circumspect. Palestine has not, so far, been officially recognized as an independent state as Australia favours a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian question. This policy reflects Australia’s support of peace by diplomacy as well as of friends, specifically the United States.
However, this question has caused much public debate in Australia. Activist organizations and some government officials have called for greater respect for Palestinian rights while emphasizing Australia’s commitment to international justice.
Conclusion
Whether Palestine qualifies as a country depends on perspective. Legally, it meets many of the criteria for statehood under international law. However, political realities and a lack of unanimous recognition continue to challenge its status.
Australians who wish to understand the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must consider its historical and legal dimensions. The ultimate resolution will likely depend on diplomatic efforts, international cooperation, and progress towards regional peace.
