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France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and Belgium have formally recognised a Palestinian state on the eightieth session of the Basic Meeting (UNGA).
They be a part of Canada, Australia and Portugal, in addition to the United Kingdom, which introduced its recognition on Sunday, as Israel pushes forward with settlement enlargement within the occupied West Financial institution and escalates its genocide in Gaza.
The UK’s resolution to formally recognise a Palestinian state comes greater than 100 years after the Balfour Declaration backed “the institution in Palestine of a nationwide dwelling for the Jewish folks” and 77 years after the creation of Israel within the British Mandate of Palestine.
“Within the face of the rising horror within the Center East, we’re performing to maintain alive the potential for peace and of a two-state answer,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a video assertion Sunday.
The declarations by main Western powers – lengthy thought-about shut allies of Israel – underscore its rising worldwide isolation amid a battle on Gaza which has killed greater than 65,000 Palestinians.
Which nations now recognise Palestine?
At present, the State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 p.c of the worldwide neighborhood. As well as, it’s recognised by the Holy See, the governing physique of the Catholic Church and Vatican Metropolis, which holds UN non-member observer standing.
These nations are listed within the desk beneath:
What does recognition imply?
Recognising Palestine strengthens its world standing, boosts its capability to carry Israeli authorities accountable for his or her occupation, and will increase strain on Western powers to work in direction of a two-state answer. Particularly, it will permit Palestinians to:
- Open embassies with full diplomatic standing
- Have interaction in commerce agreements
- Acquire help at worldwide boards
- Method the Worldwide Felony Court docket (ICC)
Recognition won’t:
- Finish the battle in Gaza
- Cease Israel’s brutal navy occupation.
Whereas recognition has little instant impact on Israeli coverage within the occupied territory, it does mirror a surge of worldwide backing for Palestinian statehood.
Martin Griffiths, director of Mediation Group Worldwide, instructed Al Jazeera the popularity of Palestine is simply a primary step.
“That is the entry level, but it surely’s not the top level,” he stated, urging nations such because the UK to uphold their obligations beneath the Worldwide Court docket of Justice by facilitating humanitarian support, ending arms gross sales and easing blockades.
He added that governments should additionally help reforms to make the Palestinian Authority “match for objective”, noting efforts by France, Saudi Arabia, Norway and Spain.
“It brings hope … but it surely doesn’t essentially deliver a future but,” Griffiths stated.
Along with Mexico, these nations marked 11 new recognitions in 2025 and the twentieth since Israel’s battle on Gaza started in October 2023, reflecting a rising wave of worldwide recognition for Palestine.
Israel’s response
Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, described the UN summit on Palestinian statehood as a “circus” and stated strikes to recognise Palestine “reward terrorism”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that message in his response to Sunday’s recognition of Palestine by the UK, saying it was a “prize” for Hamas.
He added {that a} Palestinian state “won’t occur”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“I’ve a transparent message to these leaders who’re recognizing a Palestinian state after the horrendous October 7 bloodbath: You might be rewarding terror with an unlimited prize.https://t.co/4YmFyzC68S
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 21, 2025
A quick historical past of Palestinian recognition
On November 15, 1988, in the course of the first Intifada, Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Group (PLO), declared the institution of an impartial State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.
Greater than 80 nations rapidly prolonged recognition, largely from the International South – together with nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Arab world. Most European recognitions on the time got here from states throughout the former Soviet bloc.
On September 13, 1993, the Oslo Accords marked the primary direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, envisioning a Palestinian state alongside Israel. That end result, nonetheless, by no means materialised.
In 2012, the UNGA voted overwhelmingly – 138 in favour, 9 towards and 41 abstentions – to improve Palestine’s standing to a “non-member observer state”. Which means Palestine can’t vote on resolutions, however it may possibly attend conferences and take part in debates.
Solely the 5 everlasting members of the UNSC – US, Russia, China, France and the UK – maintain veto energy. They gained this standing in 1945 as the main victors of World Battle II. This permits any certainly one of them to dam a decision, no matter wider worldwide help.
On April 18, 2024, the US vetoed a extensively supported decision within the Basic Meeting that may have granted Palestine full UN membership, blocking the improve regardless of broad worldwide backing.
The US has a protracted historical past of vetoing UNSC resolutions crucial of Israel, having completed so no less than 50 occasions since becoming a member of the UN. This constant use of the veto has typically prevented measures addressing Israeli navy actions, unlawful settlements or the occupation of Palestinian land from being adopted.
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