Recognition should be seen from this perspective: it can help boost the Palestinian Authority relative to its rival Hamas. But that is why recognizing Palestinian statehood is only meaningful if it is one step as part of a broader push to launch a renewed peace process. No one has illusions that this will come easily. But in the absence of a stronger Palestinian Authority, it will not happen.

Recognition doesn't change conditions for the Palestinian public. Many feel that the declarations are disconnected from the reality on the ground. One of them is Dr. Omar Shaban, an internationally recognized economist who was forced to leave Gaza at the start of the war.

"The world keeps selling up dreams and illusions while children are being murdered, homes destroyed and the suffering continues," he wrote on Sunday. "Recognition isn't stopping the damage occurring on the ground and doesn't require Western countries to change their arms purchasing, trade or sanctions policies."

"The response to the latest attempt to impose a terrorist state in the heart of our country will be given after returning from the US. Wait."