Sweden- Advocates of Peace in Palestine

 

     A quite shocking event happened on October 3, 2014 in one of the must unlikeliest of places. Sweden (yes, Sweden!) have shockingly announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. Only hours after taking office, newly elected Prime Minister Stefan Lofven made his first announcement on foreign policy. In a jaw dropping moment, Lofven claimed that the only way for peace in the unstable region in the Middle East is through a two state solution between Israel and Palestine. He then said that Sweden will therefore recognize the State of Palestine. This refreshing decision proved that the new Swedish administration will not agree with all that the United States does and even went as far as to say Sweden would not want membership in NATO. This incredible act of courage by Lofven may serve as an example to other European nations that it is not always necessary to side with the United States and Israel.

Lofven and his administration during as news conference. 

      Responses by the United States and Israel were obviously condemning Sweden for their courageous step towards peace. Netanyahu even claimed that this decision would somehow "harm the peace process" while United States Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that Sweden's decision to recognize Palestine as a state was "premature". This condemnation of peace and equality for Palestinians comes as little surprise as Israel and the U.S. have been against Palestinian statehood for decades. This does however, cement the fact that little will be done about the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank and that the "peace negotiations" are utterly useless.
      Sweden and Lofven must be applauded here, for very few nations have had the courage to step up for Palestine since it lost its statehood in 1948. Palestinian leaders have descried Lofven's decision as "courageous and remarkable." However, will this act of courage go unprovoked across the world? Or will nations see Sweden as an example and stand up for the injustice that has been going on in Palestine for more than 60 years?  Although you may think that Palestine has had very little support, the majority of the countries in the world support Palestinian statehood. However, it is time that a foreign superpower such as Great Britain, Russia, or China also become an active part in the fight for Palestinian independence.

Highlighted Countries all recognize a Palestinian State- 2014