Palestinian state more distant than ever, a year after recognition

AI Summary

One year after Western powers recognized a Palestinian state, progress toward Palestinian statehood remains elusive as the situation in the occupied West Bank deteriorates. Residents in Tulkarem report worsening conditions due to repeated Israeli raids, undermining hopes for peace and stability.

When France, Britain and other Western powers last year recognised a Palestinian state, entrepreneur Adam Bader felt a sense of hope. "I was happy when I heard about it," said Bader, 27, who lives in the occupied West Bank's city of Tulkarem, which has seen repeated Israeli raids in recent years. "Now a year on, we're not seeing any improvement. On the contrary," he said. "The situation is getting worse by the day and no one can do anything."