U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Monday (August 31, 2026) to hit Iran “hard” after the two foes traded fire for the first time in weeks, as his Treasury secretary vowed to keep up a pressure campaign aimed at hobbling Tehran’s economy. After six months of war
Step inside Mouni Roy’s beautiful 4 BHK apartment in Mumbai featuring minimal décor and a cosy library Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 11:30:03 IST By Anukriti Srivastava Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Mouni Roy gave a house tour of her Mumbai 4 BHK apartment
European traveller says he was scared to visit India due to 'bad image, stereotypes': 'I found more kindness than chaos' Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 10:51:25 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Expecting chaos, he found kindness: Robert says India changed how he judges places
Meta is fixing a loophole that allowed wearers of its AI smart glasses to secretly record others without consent. Meta’s new AI smart glasses feature a white light sensor that starts blinking when the wearer is taking a photo or video through their device
‘Bengaluru Metro discipline deserves appreciation’: Woman praises commuters for orderly queues, offering seatsA woman lauded Bengaluru Metro commuters for disciplined boarding, respectful behaviour and offering seats to women. Published on: Sep 1, 2026
Recognising Palestinian statehood opens another question - who would lead it?
Recognising Palestinian statehood opens another question - who would lead it?
Earlier this month, a Palestinian diplomat called Husam Zomlot was invited to a discussion at the Chatham House think tank in London.
Belgium had just joined the UK, France and other countries in promising to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in New York. And Dr Zomlot was clear that this was a significant moment.
"What you will see in New York might be the actual last attempt at implementing the two-state solution," he warned.
Let that not fail.
Weeks on, that has now come to pass. The UK, Canada and Australia, who are all traditionally strong allies of Israel, have finally taken this step.
Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK's move in a video posted on social media.
In it he said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and of a two-state solution.
That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state - at the moment we have neither.
More than 150 countries had previously recognised a Palestinian state but the addition of the UK and the other countries is seen by many as a significant moment.
"Palestine has never been more powerful worldwide than it is now," says Xavier Abu Eid, a former Palestinian official.
The world is mobilised for Palestine.
But there are complicated questions to answer, including what is Palestine and is there even a state to recognise?
Four criteria for statehood are listed in the 1933 Montevideo Convention. Palestine can justifiably lay claim to two: a permanent population (although the war in Gaza has put this at enormous risk) and the capacity to enter into international relations - Dr Zomlot is proof of the latter.
But it doesn't yet fit the requirement of a "defined territory".
With no agreement on final borders (and no actual peace process), it's difficult to know with any certainty what is meant by Palestine.
For the Palestinians themselves, their longed-for state consists of three parts: East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. All were conquered by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War.
Even a cursory glance at a map shows where the problems begin.
The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been geographically separated by Israel for three quarters of a century, since Israel's independence in 1948.
In the West Bank, the presence of the Israeli military and Jewish settlers means the Palestinian Authority, established after the Oslo Accords peace deals of the 1990s, administers only around 40% of the territory. Since 1967, the expansion of settlements has eaten away at the West Bank, breaking it up into an increasingly fragmented political and economic entity.
Meanwhile, East Jerusalem, which Palestinians regard as their capital, has been ringed with Jewish settlements, gradually cutting off the city from the West Bank.
Gaza's fate, of course, has been much worse. After almost two years of war, triggered by the Hamas attacks of October 2023, much of the territory has been obliterated.
But as if all this wasn't enough to fix, there's a fourth criteria laid down in the Montevideo convention that is needed to recognise statehood: a functioning government.
And this marks a great challenge for Palestinians.
Back in 1994, an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority (known simply as the Palestinian Authority or PA), which exercised partial civil control over Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
But since a bloody conflict in 2007 between Hamas and the main PLO faction Fatah, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been ruled by two rival governments: Hamas in Gaza and the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, whose president is Mahmoud Abbas.
That's 77 years of geographical separation and 18 years of political division: a long time for the West Bank and Gaza Strip to drift apart.
Palestinian politics has ossified in the meantime, leaving most Palestinians cynical about their leadership and pessimistic about the chances of any kind of internal reconciliation, let alone progress towards statehood.
The last presidential and parliamentary elections were in 2006, which means that no Palestinian under the age of 36 has ever voted in the West Bank or Gaza.
"That we haven't had elections in all of this time just boggles the mind," says Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu.
We need a new leadership.
In the wake of the war which erupted in Gaza in October 2023, the issue has become even more acute.
Faced with the deaths of tens of thousands of its citizens, Abbas's Palestinian Authority, watching from its headquarters in the West Bank, has been largely reduced to the role of helpless bystander.
Tensions within the ranks of leadership date back years.
When the PLO chairman, Yasser Arafat, returned from years in exile to lead the Palestinian Authority, local Palestinian politicians found themselves mostly side-lined.
"Insiders" came to resent the domineering style of Arafat's "outsiders". Rumours of corruption in Arafat's circle did little to enhance the PA's reputation.
More importantly, the newly formed Palestinian Authority seemed incapable of halting Israel's gradual colonisation of the West Bank or delivering on the promise of independence and sovereignty raised so tantalisingly by Arafat's historic handshake with the former Israeli prime minister, Yizhak Rabin, on the White House lawn in September 1993.
The subsequent years were not conducive to a smooth political evolution, dominated as they were by failed peace initiatives, the continued expansion of Jewish settlements, violence by extremists on both sides, Israel's political slide to the right and that violent schism in 2007 between Hamas and Fatah.
"In the normal course of events, new figures, new generations would have emerged," says the Palestinian historian Yezid Sayigh.
But that has been impossible…Palestinians in the occupied territories are fragmented enormously into separate little spaces, and that has made it almost impossible for new figures to emerge and coalesce.
One figure did emerge, however: Marwan Barghouti.
Born and raised in the West Bank, at the age of 15 he became active in Fatah, the PLO faction led by Arafat.
Barghouti emerged as a popular leader during the second Palestinian uprising, before being arrested and charged with planning deadly attacks in which five Israelis were killed.
He has always denied the charges but has been in an Israeli prison since 2002.
And yet when Palestinians talk about possible future leaders, they end up talking about a man who has been locked up for almost a quarter of a century.
A recent opinion poll by the West Bank based Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found that 50% of Palestinians would choose Barghouti as president, well ahead of Abbas, who has held the position since 2005.
Despite being a senior member of Fatah, which has long been in conflict with Hamas, his name is thought to feature prominently on the list of political prisoners Hamas wants freed in return for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
But Israel has not given any indication of a willingness to release him.
In mid-August, a video emerged, showing a gaunt, frail 66-year old Barghouti being taunted by Israel's security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir.
It was the first time Barghouti had been seen publicly for years.
Even before the Gaza war, Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood was unambiguous.
In February 2024, he said that, "Everyone knows that I am the one who for decades blocked the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger our existence."
Despite international calls for the Palestinian Authority to resume control over Gaza, Netanyahu insists that there will be no role for the PA in Gaza's future governance, arguing that Abbas has not condemned the Hamas attacks of 7 October.
In August, Israel gave final approval for a settlement project that would effectively cut East Jerusalem off from the West Bank. Plans for 3,400 homes were approved, with Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich saying the plan would bury the idea of a Palestinian state "because there is nothing to recognise and no one to recognise".
This, argues Mr Sayigh, is hardly a new state of affairs.
"You could get the Archangel Michael down to earth and have him head the Palestinian Authority, but it wouldn't make any difference. Because you have to work under conditions that make any kind of success totally impossible.
And that has been the case for a long time.
One thing is certain: if a Palestinian state does emerge, Hamas will not be running it.
A declaration drawn up in July at the end of a three day conference sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia declared that "Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian authority."
The "New York declaration" was endorsed by all Arab states and subsequently adopted by 142 members of the UN General Assembly.
For its part, Hamas says it's ready to hand over authority in Gaza to an independent administration of technocrats.
With Barghouti in jail, Abbas approaching 90 years of age, Hamas decimated and the West Bank in pieces, it's clear that Palestine lacks leadership and coherence. But that doesn't mean international recognition is meaningless.
It could actually be very valuable," says Diana Buttu, though she cautions: "It depends why these countries are doing it and what their intent is.
A British government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told me that the mere symbolism of recognition was not enough.
The question is whether we can get progress towards something so that UNGA [United Nations General Assembly] doesn't just become a recognition party.
The New York Declaration committed signatories including Britain to taking "tangible, timebound and irreversible steps for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine."
Officials in London point to the declaration's references to the unification of Gaza and the West Bank, support for the PA and Palestinian elections (as well as an Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza) as the sorts of steps that need to follow recognition.
But they know the obstacles are formidable.
Israel remains implacably opposed and has threatened to retaliate through formal annexation of parts or all of the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the US president Donald Trump has made clear his displeasure about the subject, saying on Thursday: "I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score."
In August, the US also took the unusual step of revoking or denying visas for dozens of Palestinian officials, in a possible violation of the UN's own rules.
The US holds a veto at the UN on any recognition of a Palestinian state and Trump still appears wedded to a version of his so-called "Riviera Plan" in which the US would take "a long-term ownership position" over Gaza.
Crucially, the plan says nothing about the Palestinian Authority, referring only to "reformed Palestinian self-governance", or any future connection between Gaza and the West Bank.
The long-term future for Gaza may lie somewhere, between the New York Declaration, Trump's plan and the Arab reconstruction plan.
All the plans, in their own very different ways, hope to salvage something out of the calamity that has befallen Gaza over the past two years. And whatever does emerge, it will need to answer the question of what Palestine and its leadership looks like.
But for Palestinians like Diana Buttu, there's a much more pressing matter. What she would really prefer, she says, is for these countries to prevent more killing.
And do something to stop it, rather than focus on the issue of statehood.
BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Earlier volcano warnings could mean more false alarms - but they could also save lives Supreme Court modifies earlier order concerning 3 academics Why Cancer Is Striking Earlier Why People In Their 40s Are Getting Knee Replacements Earlier Than Ever The Ultimate Sports Super-YA Month-By-Month Blockbuster Calendar South Korea’s Top Diplomat May Travel to US After Migrant Raid That Nabbed Hundreds Dhaka summons Indian diplomat to protest ‘anti-Bangladesh remarks’ made by Assam CM Israeli diplomat hands out Tiranga at Mumbai’s CSMT station on Independence Day Another ex-diplomat asked to prove citizenship Chinese Diplomat Issues Warning Amid Trump's Trade War
Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea in their bid to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez. In what is set to be one of the key narratives on transfer deadline day, City have set the wheels in motion towards what would be one of the most expensive deals of the summer
27 minutes ago
After 15 years of leading one of the world’s most recognisable technology companies, Tim Cook has officially signed off as Apple CEO. On his final day in the role, August 31, Cook took to X to share a brief but emotional message with the Apple community
27 minutes ago
Badshah and Isha Rikhi divorce: Months after photos from their secret wedding went viral, rapper Badshah and Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi have announced their divorce. The couple shared identical statements on Instagram on August 31, saying they have mutually decided to go their separate ways
27 minutes ago
PM Modi hails ‘herculean feat’, Congress asks ‘where are jobs?’: GDP figures draw mixed responseTaking a jab at his critics, Modi said some people in India, “drowned in an atmosphere of despair”, were spreading “lies” across the country. Published on: Sep 1, 2026
26 minutes ago
Congress leader P Chidambaram has flagged India’s 106th position among 179 countries in V-Dem’s Electoral Democracy Index. India scored 0.38 for 2025, its lowest since 1975, according to V-Dem, which classifies the country as an “electoral autocracy”
27 minutes ago
The company said the move is aimed at strengthening transparency and food quality for consumers, and warned that restaurants failing to comply with its requirements could be removed from the platform. New Delhi: Food delivery platform Zomato on Monday said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on
27 minutes ago
On August 21, a three-judge Supreme Court Bench led by the Chief Justice of India dismissed a petition and sought a fresh one in a case on minimum wages in rural employment guarantee programmes. The Bench lauded MGNREGA’s role in rural development
28 minutes ago
As Janmashtami approaches, homes begin to take on a festive glow. Laddu Gopal gets a new outfit, the little cradle is beautifully decorated, flowers are brought in and preparations begin for the midnight celebration. Amid all these preparations
26 minutes ago
The company said Shipsy Brain draws on data linked to more than five billion shipments. This includes more than 50 billion operational events, 1.5 billion automated and human decisions, 100 billion GPS pings and over 5,000 logistics workflows. Enterprise firm on September 1 launched in beta
26 minutes ago
In March 2026, IIT Kharagpur—the oldest Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has been training thousands of minds to design bridges, cars, and computer chips for the last 75 years did something unprecedented. It formally applied to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to offer a
28 minutes ago
The price of the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been increased by Rs 9.50, raising costs for restaurants, hotels and other businesses that rely on commercial cooking gas. The revised prices came into effect from September 1, with new rates applicable across major cities
28 minutes ago
A Singaporean diplomat who led the adoption of the UN Ocean Treaty, a Myanmar activist who put his freedom on the line for democracy, and a former Bangladeshi teacher who brought compassion to the poor were named on Monday as the winners of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards
26 minutes ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s care-free, adolescent excellence graced big-ticket First Class cricket, as the 15-year-old made an entertaining 81-ball 92 on day two of East Zone’s Duleep Trophy semifinal versus Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence here on Monday
29 minutes ago
A woman in Bengaluru has alleged that Rapido drivers have been frequently demanding fares higher than the amount displayed on the app. She shared one such instance in a post on X and questioned whether drivers are unable to see the fare shown to customers before accepting a ride
27 minutes ago
The Union government on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash all first information reports filed in connection with the youth protests in Delhi in July, Bar and Bench reported. The application urged the court to quash the 13 FIRs registered for offences including rioting
28 minutes ago
That paneer tikka you ordered, was it actually made from milk? Zomato’s latest move has put a lesser-known product called analogue paneer under the spotlight. The food delivery platform has asked restaurants to stop using analogue dairy products, but before you label it “fake paneer"
26 minutes ago
The US Supreme Court has ruled that construction of a $400m (£297m) ballroom at the White House can go ahead, in a victory for President Donald Trump. In a 5-4 ruling, the justices granted the Trump administration's emergency request, blocking lower court rulings that would have halted
28 minutes ago
Lionel Messi and Argentina: A story of heartbreak, redemption and finally, everythingWe all knew this day would come sooner or later, but watching Argentina without Lionel Messi in that jersey is something that will take time to sink in. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
28 minutes ago
The elderly grimace, hobbling on crutches, and wide-eyed children stare, cradling chickens carried from homes they were forced to leave behind. "It feels good to be in my own country," 35-year-old Nazia says, just minutes after she crosses from Pakistan, where she was born, into Afghanistan
27 minutes ago
‘Spite might be greatest incentive’: Bengaluru CEO on employees working weekendsA Bengaluru-based CEO has revealed that his employees are voluntarily working late nights and weekends — not for better incentives, but to spite a rival company Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
3 hours ago
VerSe Innovation has launched SparkStation, an AI-powered content operating system. This new platform promises to significantly reduce production costs and delivery times for brands. SparkStation integrates ideation, scripting, and editing into a single, streamlined workflow
3 hours ago
Tim Cook was happy at Compaq. One meeting with Steve Jobs changed his mindIn a 2014 interview with journalist Charlie Rose, Tim Cook had recalled how he ended up at Apple. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:54:20 IST By Sanya Jain Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link On Monday
3 hours ago
From Greater Noida to Delhi: 47-km bus ride ends in gang-rape of 16-year-oldThe Class 11 student, who lives in Mainpuri, left home on August 3 without informing her parents, the Delhi Police said. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:15 IST By Hemani Bhandari Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
3 hours ago
In August last year, Rafikul Biswas was picked up from his home in Bengaluru, and accused of being an undocumented migrant from Bangladesh. Biswas, who is originally from Nadia district in Bengal, spent four months in a detention centre in the city
3 hours ago
IMDbPro is providing free premium memberships to Indian entertainment professionals. This initiative removes financial barriers for actors, directors, and crew members. Eligible professionals can access career tools and networking opportunities
3 hours ago
Victoria Beckham's fashion and beauty business has made an operating profit for the first time since she founded it in 2008, the company has said. Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd, which is led by the former Spice Girl as creative director, made an operating profit of £7.3m in 2025, accounts show
3 hours ago
Below normal rain likely in September after warmest August since 1901: IMDThe overall monsoon deficit stood at 14% on August 31, with this expected to increase through September. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 07:53:27 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok, Pallavi Singhal Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The
3 hours ago
