Will France and the UK Recognize Palestine?

France and the United Kingdom have issued back-to-back statements expressing intentions to recognize Palestine. It’s only natural that such declarations raise questions—especially about their credibility. And skepticism is warranted. After all, both countries were parties to the infamous Sykes-Picot Agreement, which laid the groundwork for today’s conflicts. That agreement fractured the Ottoman territories, divided them into smaller states, and paved the way for the creation of Israel.

Britain spent thirty years establishing Israel, while France continuously supported this new colonial structure. It was also France that provided Israel with the nuclear weapons that granted it untouchable status. After World War II, Israel secured the backing of the United States and quickly adopted an expansionist policy, turning the conflict in Palestine into a crisis for all of humanity. Germany, too, was later found to have willingly embraced this new colonial project.

These Western powers wrapped this colonial endeavor in an ideological narrative rooted in Jewish victimhood. Until October 7, 2023, few serious obstacles stood in their way. But that date marked a turning point—exposing the true face of the century-old system. The imperialist powers suddenly appeared in full view, stripped of their moral veneer. Yet, even with global attention focused on their actions, Israel failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza and the West Bank. Its brutal actions were visible to all—something they clearly did not anticipate.

In this context, France and the UK’s statements about recognizing Palestine—couched as warnings to Israel—must be evaluated carefully. Each country’s relationship with Israel and commitment to Zionism must be examined separately. While their motivations differ, their alignment with Israel stems from what they call “state reasoning.” Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel once stated, “Israel’s security is part of Germany’s state rationale.” Her foreign minister successor, Annalena Baerbock, bluntly said: “Until Israel’s security is guaranteed, we won’t hesitate to target civilians and hospitals. It’s our duty.”

Contrary to popular belief, the UK has openly supported Israel’s expansionist aggression and settler violence. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken an even harder stance. When he declared that Israel had the right to cut off food, water, and electricity to Gaza, he effectively greenlit the mass starvation of Palestinians as a weapon of war.

For nearly a century, these states viewed Israel as a profitable investment—a phrase coined by none other than U.S. President Joe Biden. This idea is widely shared by the ruling elites of the countries mentioned. On the streets, however, public anger toward Israel is palpable. In the UK, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is reportedly forming a new party due to his differing stance on Palestine, and early signs suggest it may gain significant traction.

Still, the dominant elite’s support for Zionism remains intact. A similar divide is becoming apparent in the United States, where even deeper ideological fragmentation may be underway. But these shifts do not yet signal a major change in policy. Not only the ruling class but much of the intellectual and academic establishment continues to support Israel.

In the face of Israel’s expansionist aggression and the unwavering backing it receives from imperial powers, the most decisive factor now will be the response of Türkiye and the broader Islamic world. Contrary to common assumptions, the Islamic world has been engaged in continuous resistance to imperialism. The astonishing resistance displayed by Palestinians after October 7, 2023, deserves far more attention than it has received. Since then, the myths surrounding Zionist Israel have crumbled one by one. Today, global public opinion is turning against everything associated with Israel. The hegemonic order constructed by the U.S. and the UK is beginning to crack. Martyr Yahya Sinwar and his companions shattered their supposed immunity.

Despite the exposure of their complicity, France and the UK have made it clear over the past two years that they will not easily abandon their support for Israel. They may attempt short-term political maneuvers to deflect attention, but their long-term goal remains the same. However, if domestic opposition grows strong enough, the calculus may change. The Islamic world must remain united and firm in its stance toward these powers—only then can the course of events shift.