LONDON (Monitoring Desk) – The wave of global recognition for Palestine reached a historic milestone this week as the State of Palestine is now formally recognised by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 percent of the international community, along with the Holy See (Vatican City).
At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), several influential Western countries formally declared their recognition of Palestine. These include:
- France
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Canada
- Australia
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- Mexico
This marks 11 new recognitions in 2025 alone and the 20th since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, underscoring Israel’s deepening isolation on the international stage.
In London, Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestine Mission to the UK, raised the Palestinian flag outside what is now officially the Embassy of the State of Palestine, calling it a moment of “historic justice.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the decision as an effort “to keep alive the possibility of peace and of a two-state solution,” more than a century after Britain’s Balfour Declaration paved the way for Israel’s creation.
Israel, however, reacted with anger. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the recognitions as a “reward for terrorism,” declaring once again that a Palestinian state “will not happen.”
Despite Israeli opposition, the new recognitions add weight to Palestine’s diplomatic standing. They pave the way for embassies with full diplomatic status, stronger participation at international forums, trade agreements, and greater legal standing at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The first declaration of Palestinian independence dates back to November 15, 1988, when Yasser Arafat announced the establishment of a Palestinian state. Since then, recognition has steadily grown, with the Global South leading the way, later joined by European and now major Western powers.
As of today, 157 countries stand with Palestine, reflecting a growing consensus that Palestinian statehood is essential for peace in the Middle East.
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