As previously announced, three countries – Ireland, Norway and Spain – recognized Palestine as an independent state on Tuesday.

The remaining territories of historic Palestine after the Israeli occupation are the occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has been fighting in Gaza for the past eight months. They have killed more than 36,000 Palestinian men and women during this time.

Yet across the hellish Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Palestinians have expressed hope and pride in an independent state of their own. Their hope is getting more widespread recognition. But what does this recognition mean for the Palestinians?

What Spain, Ireland and Norway have done is not recognition of an existing state; Rather, only the recognition of the possibility of establishing an independent state (independent Palestine).

The move will further boost diplomatic relations and communication between the three countries and the Palestinian Authority.

All three countries have declared that they recognize Palestine as an independent state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Ireland said it would upgrade the Palestinian mission in Dublin and its office in Palestine to an embassy. Norway and Spain have already taken similar steps.

Hopefully, its virtual, if not de facto, independence will strengthen Palestine’s position in the international arena. Also, it would put more pressure on Israel to negotiate an end to the war in Gaza right now.

The three countries’ recognition has already encouraged Slovenia to take similar steps. The country is expected to recognize Palestine on June 13.

Ireland and Spain are members of the 27-nation European Union (EU). It is hoped that the two countries’ recognition of Palestine will put the issue of Palestinian status on the EU election agenda from June 6 to 9.

143 of the 193 member states of the UN General Assembly have already recognized Palestine. With the addition of three new countries, this number increased to 146.

Yesterday’s recognition by the three countries is the strongest indication yet that the move could attract economically and diplomatically powerful Western European nations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said at a press conference yesterday, “This step is the only way to move towards what everyone recognizes as the only possible solution to achieving a peaceful future in the Middle East.” And this solution is the presence of a peaceful and secure Palestinian state next to Israel.

What changes when a country recognizes Palestine?

In practical terms, not much changes. But any international move toward greater recognition of Palestine gives the Palestinian Authority additional diplomatic leverage at any settlement table or conference.

International recognition even enables Palestine to reach a bilateral agreement as an independent state.

Opportunities for Palestinian participation in the international system

Palestine has been receiving the status of ‘non-member observer state’ in the UN General Assembly since 2012. The representatives of Palestine are getting the opportunity to present their statements in the council.

Palestine confirmed membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2015. Earlier, the Palestinian Authority accepted the jurisdiction of the UN’s highest court in its territory.

However, Palestine’s access to the international financial system is still limited. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Palestinian Authority (PA) does not have access to international capital markets. Which means, if the Palestinian Authority has a budget shortfall, aid will have to come through some channel through Israel. Otherwise, the deficit will have to be met by the Palestinian Authority. Meanwhile, Hamas-ruled Gaza is completely dependent on outside aid