United Nations, New York – France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium have formally recognized a Palestinian state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
They join Canada, Australia, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, which announced its recognition on Sunday, as Israel continues settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and intensifies its military operations in Gaza. The declarations by these major Western powers, long considered close allies of Israel, highlight the country’s growing international isolation amid a conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 65,000 Palestinians.
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 percent of the international community. In addition, it is recognized by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN non-member observer status.
The full list of countries recognizing Palestine is detailed in the table below.
What does recognition mean?
Recognizing Palestine strengthens its global standing, boosts its capacity to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their occupation, and increases pressure on Western powers to work towards a two-state solution. Specifically, recognition allows Palestinians to:
- Open embassies with full diplomatic status
- Engage in trade agreements
- Gain support at international forums
- Approach the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Recognition will not:
- End the war in Gaza
- Stop Israel’s military occupation
While recognition has little immediate effect on Israeli policy in the occupied territories, it reflects a surge of international backing for Palestinian statehood.
Martin Griffiths, director of Mediation Group International, told Al Jazeera that recognition is only a first step.
“This is the entry point, but it’s not the end point,” he said, urging countries such as the UK to uphold their obligations under the International Court of Justice by facilitating humanitarian aid, ending arms sales, and easing blockades.
He added that governments must also support reforms to make the Palestinian Authority “fit for purpose,” noting efforts by France, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Spain.
“It brings hope … but it doesn’t necessarily bring a future yet,” Griffiths said.
Together with Mexico, these countries marked 11 new recognitions in 2025 and the 20th since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, reflecting a growing wave of international recognition for Palestine.
The UNGA 2025 marked a pivotal moment in international diplomacy concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The formal recognition of Palestine by several countries, alongside the adoption of the New York Declaration, reflects a collective international effort to advance a peaceful resolution based on the two-state solution. However, the path forward remains complex, with ongoing debates and conditions shaping the future of Palestinian statehood.
SOURCE : AL JAZEERA & UN | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
