Citizens of Western countries have voiced their support for Palestinian rights and the pursuit of an independent homeland as more countries announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.
France, Belgium and several other countries on Monday joined the growing list of nations that have recognized the State of Palestine, during a high-level UN meeting on the two-state solution.
Residents in Belgium said that Palestinian self-determination is long overdue, calling it a fundamental right that should be recognized and supported globally.
"It's a start, but it should have happened many, many years ago. Way too delayed. I support the Palestinian rights to their own self-determination. I think that they are fighting for a long time for their rights. I think the genocide that's ongoing is intolerable," said Henry, a resident in Brussels.
"It's a good thing. Because everybody has to have a state, a land, a homeland. I think the world population is suffering, still suffering. It's a tragedy," said Cecil, a resident.
"The two-state solution is the only viable solution in the long term for both countries to live peacefully. We are not on the same line on Israel. We should stand with our own feet here and develop our own foreign policy independent from the developments in the White House," said Alberto, another Belgian resident.
On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine to push for a two-state solution, as Israel presses ahead with its military offensive in the Gaza Strip and annexation in the West Bank despite mounting global condemnation.
"I think it's great. I mean, better late than never. I hope that it comes to a positive result. I hope they can have two states in peace. That's the perfect scenario," said a resident in Sydney.
Meanwhile, people in Canada expressed their deep concern over ongoing violence and displacement in Gaza, emphasizing that Palestinians have an undeniable right to their land and sovereignty that must be upheld.
"[Israel is] killing innocent people. Huge countries got together, the United Nations, etc., saying look, this is criminal, this is like genocide. It is genocide. I mean, I see it myself. So it's revolting, actually, quite revolting. Because America supports it and countries still send armaments to it. It's just unbelievable that we are in this century after World War I, World War II, and we are doing this. Horrible diseases. And people don't learn, people don't learn," said Amy, a resident in Vancouver.
"For the Palestinians, it's so bad. What's going on there in the world? No, that you can't take this away from the Palestinians. This is theirs. Don't move them away," said May, another resident.
One resident expressed deep empathy with the Palestinian people, attempting to put himself in their shoes.
"It's the same thing that somebody comes over here and asked me to move to Alaska. So, they put somebody else in my place. Why? Why would I give them my house, my land, my place, everything. It's not possible. Nobody will accept this, actually. You listen to the kids of Gaza and the little kid will tell you 'no, I'm not going anywhere. I want to die over here. This is my country, and this is my history and I will not go anywhere,'" said Monier, another resident in Vancouver.
People in Western countries voice support for recognizing Palestinian statehood
People in Western countries voice support for recognizing Palestinian statehood
