Residents of the Gaza Strip are hoping that the recognition of Palestinian statehood by a number of Western countries will end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, reports the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail.

“Palestinians in Gaza reacted with a sense of optimism over the news that Canada, Britain, Australia, France and Portugal have recognized the state of Palestine, raising hopes that the historic announcements will bring an end to the Hamas-Israel war,” the daily writes.

The newspaper explains that these hopes of the residents of this Palestinian enclave stem from the recognition of Palestine as a state by Western countries with “considerable political and economic influence.”

On September 21, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal officially recognized Palestine. They were later joined by France, Belgium, Andorra, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino. According to their respective statements, adherence to the principle of two states for two peoples is the key to peace and security for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.