On 12 September 2025, the UN General Assembly endorsed the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. This resolution passed with 142 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions.
Other than this, As of late September 2025, 157 of the 193 UN member states recognise the State of Palestine.
Recently recognised by several Western/EU/G7 countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Belgium, Andorra, San Marino among others.
Some of the more notable countries that do not recognise Palestine as of September 2025 include:
United States
Israel
Germany
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Switzerland
New Zealand
When a country recognises the State of Palestine, it means that government formally accepts Palestine as a sovereign state under international law, and is willing to treat it as such in diplomacy.
1. Diplomatic Recognition
The recognising country declares that Palestine is a legitimate state (like France, Brazil, or India).
This recognition may be de jure (full legal recognition) or de facto (acknowledging existence but with some limitations).
2. Diplomatic Relations
Some countries establish embassies or missions with Palestine (usually in Ramallah) or allow a Palestinian embassy in their own capital.
Others recognise Palestine but keep relations at a lower level (e.g. consulates, special envoys).
3. Support in International Organizations
Recognising states usually vote in favour of Palestine at the UN, UNESCO, WHO, and other international bodies.
They often back Palestine’s right to join treaties (like the Geneva Conventions, ICC).
4. Political Significance
Recognition is a political signal: it strengthens Palestine’s claim to statehood and pressures Israel in peace negotiations.
It also influences debates on the two-state solution.
5. What It Does Not Automatically Mean
Recognition doesn’t guarantee borders (West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza are disputed).
It doesn’t mean a country stops relations with Israel (many, like Spain or Ireland, recognise Palestine but keep strong ties with Israel).
It doesn’t create an independent Palestinian government on the ground—that depends on local realities.
What does it really mean to recognize the State of Palestine when there is no fully sovereign country called Palestine?
1. Statehood vs. Recognition
A “real country” in international law is usually defined by the Montevideo Convention (1933):
A permanent population
A defined territory
A government
Capacity to enter into relations with other states
Palestine partly fulfills these:
Population: ~5 million Palestinians live in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Territory: Claimed, but fragmented and disputed due to Israeli occupation and settlements.
Government: Palestinian Authority (limited autonomy) and Hamas in Gaza → divided governance.
International relations: Palestine maintains embassies and is recognized by ~157 countries.
So Palestine exists as a political entity but lacks full sovereignty over its land, borders, and resources.
2. What “Recognition” Means Here
When a country recognises Palestine, it is not saying “Palestine is fully functioning like France or Japan.”
Instead, it is saying:
We accept Palestine as a legitimate state-in-waiting.
We acknowledge Palestinians’ right to self-determination and sovereignty.
We support the idea of a two-state solution (Israel and Palestine coexisting).
It’s both legal (granting diplomatic status) and political (supporting Palestinian nationhood).
3. Why Some Say “There Is No Real Country Called Palestine”
Israel, the US, and some other countries argue that Palestine does not meet the full Montevideo criteria (mainly effective control of territory).
They see it as a disputed territory, not a sovereign state.
Until final negotiations on borders, Jerusalem, and refugees are resolved, they avoid recognition.
4. Practical Effects of Recognition
Palestine can join treaties and international courts (e.g., ICC, ICJ).
Palestinian diplomats can represent “the State of Palestine” abroad.
Symbolically, it strengthens Palestine’s claim to independence, even if “on the ground” it lacks full sovereignty.
Why is it a shame when countries recognize Palestine, if in reality nothing changes—Israel continues building settlements while the PA and Hamas keep fighting each other?
1. Why recognition can feel “empty”
Recognition by other states doesn’t change facts on the ground.
Israel maintains military control over much of the West Bank and continues expanding Jewish settlements, which most of the world considers illegal under international law.
Gaza is under Hamas control, the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, and the two factions often clash instead of uniting.
Because of this division + occupation, Palestinians don’t experience the practical benefits of “statehood,” even if 157+ countries recognize them.
2. Why countries still recognize Palestine
It’s a political statement: saying “Palestinians have a right to their own state.”
It’s meant to keep the two-state solution alive in international diplomacy.
Recognition gives Palestine a voice in international bodies (like the UN and ICC).
It pressures Israel diplomatically, even if it doesn’t stop settlements.
3. The criticism (why some call it a shame)
To critics, recognition is symbolic but toothless. It doesn’t stop settlement expansion or improve daily life for Palestinians.
It can even deepen divisions, with Israel hardening its stance and Palestinian leadership still split between the PA and Hamas.
Many ordinary people in the region see little change: checkpoints, blockades, violence, and internal Palestinian rivalry continue.