Hope and fear in the occupied West Bank as Palestine gains recognition

In the occupied West Bank and Gaza, international recognition of Palestine has sparked a mix of hope and caution, as FRANCE 24’s Catherine Norris Trent explains. On a diplomatic level, the move is seen as a significant gesture—a symbolic measure that could help push for an end to the war in Gaza and halt settlement expansion. Yet on the streets, many Palestinians remain sceptical, fearful of what Israel might do in retaliation, and wary that recognition alone will not protect them from ongoing attacks or displacement.