Diplomats from Switzerland, previously in serving roles as ambassadors, are advocating for official acknowledgment of the State of Palestine

In recent developments, a significant number of Western countries have declared their recognition of Palestine, moving towards a resolution for the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As of July, 14 additional Western states, including EU members France, Belgium, Malta, Finland, Luxembourg, and Portugal, as well as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have recognised Palestine within the framework of the two-state solution approach.

Denmark has hinted at a possible policy change, while Japan and New Zealand are currently reviewing recognition without a final decision. This surge in recognition has brought the total number of UN member states recognising Palestine to three-quarters. The Palestinian leadership proclaimed their state in exile at the end of the 1980s.

Notably, the United Kingdom has announced that it will recognise Palestine, contingent upon Israel's agreement to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Canada has also expressed its intention to recognise the State of Palestine.

Meanwhile, in Switzerland, a group of former diplomatic advisors have called for a change in priorities, advocating for a legal status for Palestine. They are specifically addressing the current status of Palestine, which they note does not meet all the constitutive attributes of a fully fledged state in the sense of international law. The group is also critical of Switzerland's neutral position regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and they have urged the Swiss government to explicitly condemn violations of international humanitarian law in the region.

In addition, the group has advocated for an increase in financial support for the UNRWA agency. Switzerland has already reduced its contributions to UNRWA and has conditioned the use of funding outside Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

France announced its intention to recognise the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September. Australia, along with 14 other Western countries, including Portugal, urged the international community to recognise Palestine within the framework of the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the end of July.

However, the article does not provide specific details about the impact of France and Canada's recognition of Palestine on the international community or the situation in Gaza. The group of former Swiss diplomats is not specified as to their current positions or affiliations.