Despite growing public support and mounting pressure, Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies has delayed the recognition of Palestine, opting to revisit the issue at the end of the year amid concerns over potential political repercussions.
Out of the 193 UN member countries, 145 have recognised Palestine, but Luxembourg has not yet joined them. A petition by Halid Karajbic, which was discussed in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday morning, quickly garnered 5,300 signatures. A related motion from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) was debated a few weeks ago, but was eventually rejected by the CSV-DP majority.
The question now is whether this discussion will gain new momentum following the petition.
Six weeks ago, the governing parties stated that patience was needed and that it was important to wait for the right moment. Beyond this, there was little outward communication from the Grand Duchy, with some considering it a missed opportunity.
Mark Burggraff, an advocate for the recognition of Palestine, noted that the opportune moment was missed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in May. Meanwhile, countries like Ireland, Spain, and Norway have recognised Palestine. Burggraff believes the Chamber of Deputies must catch up on what should have been done long ago.
Dalia Khader, a Luxembourg-Palestinian with roots in Jerusalem, highlighted ongoing struggles, stating that her generation still has to go through checkpoints to travel within their own country. She pointed out the existence of segregation walls and emphasised that Israel controls who can pass. "Palestinians are constantly humiliated", she said, calling it an apartheid system.
Petitioner Halid Karajbic also addressed the Chamber of Deputies, sharing personal experiences and expressing regret over the delay in recognising Palestine as an independent state.
Martine Kleinberg of Jewish Call for Peace Luxembourg noted that while Luxembourg missed the chance to align with Spain, it can still catch up. "There are no small steps, no small countries when it comes to saving a population", Kleinberg stressed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the symbolic importance of recognition but argues that, given the current political situation in Israel, such a move could worsen the situation for Palestinians. Minister for Foreign Affairs Xavier Bettel acknowledged the importance of symbolism, but highlighted the negative repercussions following Norway's recognition of Palestine, such as Israel's cessation of tax revenue transfers to the Palestinians.
For weeks, the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in discussions with partner countries, including the Gulf States, to formulate long-term solutions. The recognition of Palestine will come "at the right moment" and in coordination with "the right countries," said the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The petitioners expressed disappointment over the outcome of the debate, stressing they are not opposed to sanctions alongside recognition.
At the end of the debate, it was decided that the Chamber of Deputies will revisit the issue of recognition at the end of the year.
