Storyline: The post-war reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip must be led by the Palestinians, Palestinian officials and experts stressed on Tuesday, calling on the international community to take punitive measures against Israel. Five more European countries formally announced their recognition of the Palestinian statehood on Monday at the high-level session of the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly. So far, of the 193 United Nations member states, as many as 157 have recognized the Palestinian statehood. In an interview with the China Central Television (CCTV) on Tuesday, Wasel Abu Yusuf, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s executive committee, hailed the widespread recognition of the State of Palestine from the international community and stressed that the future of the Gaza Strip should be led by the Palestinians. "This (the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries) has further elevated the significance of the Palestinian cause, and strengthened the international standing of the occupied State of Palestine. It will help consolidate the efforts to, first and foremost, halt the genocide and hunger war in Gaza, which is supported by the United States and waged by Israel. As for the postwar reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, it must be led by the Palestinians," he said. Some Palestinian experts said that the recognitions, though belated, are necessary and must be translated into concrete actions to end the long-term Israeli occupation and achieve peace. "We must not allow this achievement to remain merely at the level of recognition. Israel may perceive these recognitions as mere rhetorical gestures, lacking substantive action. Therefore, the international community must take sustained and robust measures, including sanctions against Israel, to compel its compliance with international law," said Palestinian political analyst Nihad abu Ghosh. "These recognitions further validate the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause, expose the brutal nature of Israel's occupation, and demonstrate the widespread support from the international community. With the time passing by, the momentum of the international public opinion may propel more countries to adopt substantive measures and sanctions against Israel," said Imad Abu Awad, another Palestinian political analyst. Shotlist: Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 10, 2025: 1. Various of destroyed buildings; rubble; residents 2. Displaced Palestinians carrying belongings Ramallah, West Bank - Sept 23, 2025: 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Wasel Abu Yusuf, member, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s executive committee (ending with shot 4): "This (the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries) has further elevated the significance of the Palestinian cause, and strengthened the international standing of the occupied State of Palestine. It will help consolidate the efforts to, first and foremost, halt the genocide and hunger war in Gaza, which is supported by the United States and waged by Israel. As for the postwar reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, it must be led by the Palestinians." Gaza Strip - Recent : 4. Various of tents, debris FILE: Ramallah, West Bank - 2024: 5. Various of Palestinian presidential headquarters, flag of Palestine Ramallah, West Bank - Sept 23, 2025: 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nihad abu Ghosh, Palestinian political analyst: "We must not allow this achievement to remain merely at the level of recognition. Israel may perceive these recognitions as mere rhetorical gestures, lacking substantive action. Therefore, the international community must take sustained and robust measures, including sanctions against Israel, to compel its compliance with international law." Gaza Strip - Recent: 7. Various of displaced Palestinians walking, carrying aid supplies of flour Ramallah, West Bank - Sept 23, 2025: 8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Imad Abu Awad, Palestinian political analyst: "These recognitions further validate the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause, expose the brutal nature of Israel's occupation, and demonstrate the widespread support from the international community. With the time passing by, the momentum of the international public opinion may propel more countries to adopt substantive measures and sanctions against Israel." Gaza Strip - Recent: 9. Various of tents, Palestinians. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]