The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, prompting extensive discussions regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state. This political dialogue highlights the deep-rooted nature of the conflict, which did not originate in Gaza nor in October 2023, indicating a growing awareness among major nations that a two-state solution remains the only viable option to alleviate the recurrent tensions.
The issue of Palestinian state recognition is not a new concept, although it gained momentum following the conflict on October 7, 2023. This topic has stirred increasing diplomatic activity across Europe and the Western world in recent years. Several countries have declared their intention to formally acknowledge Palestine between 2024 and 2025, reflecting significant shifts in Western attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The history of this issue dates back to 1988, during the height of the Intifada, when the Palestine Liberation Organization proclaimed a declaration of independence, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state in line with international resolutions. By the end of 1988, the Palestinian state had received recognition from 78 countries. As of March 2025, 147 out of 193 UN member states acknowledged Palestine.
Observer State Status
Since November 2012, Palestine has held the status of a non-member observer state in the UN General Assembly, despite consistent U.S. vetoes that sought to prevent Palestine from gaining full membership in the United Nations.
On March 22, 2024, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia jointly announced their intention to recognize the Palestinian state, with Slovenia formally recognizing it on June 4.
On November 16, 2023, Norway’s parliament voted in favor of recognition, followed by an official acknowledgment on May 28, 2024. Malta has also expressed its intentions to recognize Palestine but has postponed the execution.
France became the first G7 nation with permanent membership on the Security Council to announce its intention to recognize Palestine, doing so on July 24, 2025.
On July 30, Canada announced it would recognize Palestine in September, contingent upon specific reforms and Palestinian elections. Australia has not set a formal date but has shown a strong inclination towards recognition.
Collective Appeal
Last Thursday, 15 Western nations, led by France, made a collective appeal under the banner of the New York Declaration, urging other countries to express their intentions to recognize the state of Palestine. The appeal was launched at the conclusion of a ministerial conference at the UN addressing the two-state solution and included Canada and Australia, who are part of the G20.
The appeal was joined by Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. The United Kingdom has also announced its intention to recognize Palestine before the UN General Assembly convenes, should the ceasefire in Gaza not hold.
Overall, the wave of announced or anticipated recognitions signifies a crucial shift in the international stance, particularly with the inclusion of significant nations like France, the United Kingdom, and Canada in this movement, potentially paving the way for broader changes in the international landscape regarding the Palestinian issue.
The pressing question remains: Will the dynamics of the conflict shift, allowing Palestine to transition from a political symbol to a recognized state on the ground, or will the realities imposed by Israel prevail over international will?