That are the 150+ international locations which have recognised Palestine as of 2025? | United Nations Information

[ad_1] France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and Belgium have formally recognised a Palestinian state on the eightieth session of the Normal Meeting (UNGA).

They be a part of Canada, Australia and Portugal, in addition to the United Kingdom, which introduced its recognition on Sunday, as Israel pushes forward with settlement growth within the occupied West Financial institution and escalates its genocide in Gaza.

The UK’s determination to formally recognise a Palestinian state comes greater than 100 years after the Balfour Declaration backed “the institution in Palestine of a nationwide residence 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 resolution,” 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 international locations now recognise Palestine? At present, 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 international locations are listed within the desk beneath:

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 stress on Western powers to work in the direction of a two-state resolution. Particularly, it could enable Palestinians to:

Open embassies with full diplomatic standing Interact in commerce agreements Acquire assist at worldwide boards Method the Worldwide Prison Courtroom (ICC) Recognition won't:

Finish the warfare in Gaza Cease Israel’s brutal army occupation. Whereas recognition has little fast 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 simply a primary step.

“That is the entry level, however it’s not the tip level,” he stated, urging international locations such because the UK to uphold their obligations beneath 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 objective”, noting efforts by France, Saudi Arabia, Norway and Spain.

“It brings hope … however it doesn’t essentially convey a future but,” Griffiths stated.

Along with Mexico, these international locations 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.

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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're rewarding terror with an infinite prize. https://t.co/4YmFyzC68S

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 21, 2025

A short 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 international locations 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.

(Al Jazeera)

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 may 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 foremost victors of World Struggle II. This enables any one in every of them to dam a decision, no matter wider worldwide assist.

On April 18, 2024, the US vetoed a extensively supported decision within the Normal Meeting that might 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 important of Israel, having finished so no less than 50 instances since becoming a member of the UN. This constant use of the veto has typically prevented measures addressing Israeli army actions, unlawful settlements or the occupation of Palestinian land from being adopted.