New York – In a significant diplomatic shift, a growing number of Western nations have formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move that has drawn a furious response from Israel but been welcomed by Palestinians.
The decisions, announced over the weekend during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 80th session, and culminating in a high-level summit in New York, signal a clear break from decades of traditional policy and highlight mounting international frustration over the ongoing war in Gaza.
A Coordinated Wave of Recognition
On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal led the charge by announcing their recognition of a Palestinian state.
This decision, a departure for nations that have historically been close allies of Israel seen as a necessary step to promote a two-state solution and revive hope for peace.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He added that the “man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza” and the “devastation are utterly intolerable.”
The UK’s decision carried particular historical weight due to its major role in Israel’s creation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas noted that the recognition would help pave the way for the “State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, stating that recognition was “imperative now” as the two-state solution was “receding before our eyes.”
He dismissed criticism that the move would reward terrorism. “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he said.
Israel’s Condemnation and Counter-Threats
Israel’s government reacted with anger and defiance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions as a “huge reward to terrorism” and delivered a defiant message to the world. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River,” he declared.
The political backlash also saw Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announce that he would propose a de facto annexation of the West Bank, a move that would further complicate any future peace talks.
A Global Shift at the United Nations
The momentum of recognition continued on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where France and Saudi Arabia co-hosted a summit focused on a two-state solution. During the summit, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco officially joined the growing list of nations recognizing Palestine. Their decisions brought the total number of UN member states backing Palestinian statehood to 151.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the move as a “defeat for Hamas,” stating that recognition was the “only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace.”
He also outlined a framework for a “renewed Palestinian Authority” assisted by an “International Stabilization Force.”
The summit also highlighted a division among Western allies. Fellow G7 members Germany and Italy were notably absent, signalling their continued opposition to unilateral recognition.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, while announcing his country’s recognition, attached a key condition: full diplomatic relations would only be established “once all hostages have been released and all terrorist organizations such as Hamas have been removed from the governance of Palestine.”
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, supported the new wave of recognitions, telling the summit that statehood for Palestinians “is a right, not a reward” and that without it, there will be “no peace” in the region.
US and Israel Boycott Summit
The United States and Israel boycotted the summit, with Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon describing the event as a “theatre.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump believes the move to recognize Palestine “is a reward to Hamas.”
