France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and Belgium have formally recognised a Palestinian state on the eightieth session of the Normal Meeting (UNGA).
They be part of Canada, Australia and Portugal, in addition to the UK, 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 individuals” 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 appearing 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 of shut allies of Israel – underscore its rising worldwide isolation amid a warfare on Gaza which has killed greater than 65,000 Palestinians.
Which nations now recognise Palestine?
At the moment, the State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 % of the worldwide group. 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 under:
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 could permit Palestinians to:
- Open embassies with full diplomatic standing
- Interact in commerce agreements
- Acquire assist at worldwide boards
- Strategy the Worldwide Legal Courtroom (ICC)
Recognition won’t:
- Finish the warfare in Gaza
- Cease Israel’s brutal army occupation.
Whereas recognition has little rapid 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 just a primary step.
“That is the entry level, nevertheless it’s not the tip level,” he stated, urging nations such because the UK to uphold their obligations below the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice by facilitating humanitarian support, ending arms gross sales and easing blockades.
He added that governments should additionally assist reforms to make the Palestinian Authority “match for function”, noting efforts by France, Saudi Arabia, Norway and Spain.
“It brings hope … nevertheless it 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 warfare 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, through 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 in opposition to and 41 abstentions – to improve Palestine’s standing to a “non-member observer state”. Which means that Palestine can’t vote on resolutions, however it might 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 Struggle II. This permits any one among them to dam a decision, no matter wider worldwide assist.
On April 18, 2024, the US vetoed a broadly supported decision within the Normal Meeting that will 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 essential of Israel, having finished so a minimum of 50 instances since becoming a member of the UN. This constant use of the veto has usually prevented measures addressing Israeli army actions, unlawful settlements or the occupation of Palestinian land from being adopted.
