As world recognises Palestinian state, Ramallah residents ask: What difference does it make?
People walk along a street in the centre of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on September 22, 2025. — AFP pic
Wednesday, 24 Sep 2025 7:00 AM MYT
RAMALLAH, Sept 24 — Despite ample global anticipation of France’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the response from residents of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah was far more muted.
In the streets of the city — seat of the Palestinian Authority — screens were not showing the UN gathering where French President Macron announced the recognition, and most said they would not tune in to watch it.
“Of course (recognition) is a good thing, but even if the whole world recognises it, Palestine’s situation will not improve,” said Zain Abdel Wahab, 18, on a quiet shopping street in Ramallah.
“The war on Gaza has lasted two years. What will this recognition bring us? Will the war end? No, it will continue,” he said, adding that the economic conditions in the West Bank were also deteriorating.
But for many Palestinians, recognition of a state would have no tangible effect on their lives.
“Honestly, for me, I don’t give a flying fuck. The West... is making a big deal out of it but it does not make any difference for Palestinians, it does not make any change in our daily life,” said Rasha, 37, who did not wish to give her full name.
“It’s too risky (to go to Jenin) because of all the settlers that are attacking us, and... there are too many checkpoints now,” she continued.
“So much for their Palestinian state that they are recognising.”
Following the move by Britain, Canada and Australia to recognise the Palestinian state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to expand settlements in the West Bank, adding that no such state would exist.
The move by the Western leaders moreover comes as Israel presses its war in Gaza, where famine has taken root and the vast majority of the territory has been devastated by two years of war.
For some, recognition of a state of their own was a positive step, but it still fell short.
“We are happy with this recognition, but we want additional steps from the countries that recognised the state of Palestine,” said Ibrahim Salam Abdullah, 18.
“We want the countries that recognised the State of Palestine and gave us their love to work on improving the situation in the West Bank, ending the war in our beloved Gaza Strip, and ending the famine that is afflicting the children and all of our people in Gaza.”
Abu Elias, 63, was optimistic but felt nothing would change in the short term.
“You don’t go to the moon in one day,” he said, adding, “nothing has been happening for 80 years and now I have a feeling something good for Palestinians will happen”. — AFP
The world simpletons think that if all the Isaac settlements in Judea and Samaria are removed and the land given to Ishmaels there will be peace.
ReplyDeleteIn 2005 Isaac did just that....in Gaza. Called "Disengagement", look it up.
In the pursuit of Peace, all 21 Isaac settlements were closed, the IDF forced 10,000 settlers who did not want to leave....leave. Even the cemeteries were dug up and the bodies removed, all the land in Gaza given to Ishmaels.
What did the Ishmaels do? They elected Harm-ass and all their efforts for the next 20 years was to wage war, shoot rockets and attack Isaac, forcing them to build walls for self protection. But this did not work, as proven by Oct 7.
So to ask Isaac to give up Judea and Samaria is just plain stoopid.
Ramallah will soon become the capital of the so-called "Palestine". Foreign Embassies will open, starting with Oz, France, Canada, UK etc etc. Duta2 and their families will move in, international schools open etc. Foreign investments, factories, businesses etc.
ReplyDeleteLet's see.