Recognition of Palestine

Several nations formally recognised a Palestinian state at the annual UN General Assembly in September 2025, including France, Britain, Canada, Belgium and Australia. Israel and the United States vehemently opposed the move, arguing that recognising Palestine rewards Hamas for the deadly attacks of October 7, 2023. But more nations are moving to do so amid mounting outrage over the war in Gaza and the dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Almost all the Arab countries and most African, Latin American and Asian nations already recognised Palestine, as do global heavyweights Russia, China and India. 

French President Emmanuel Macron announced in July that France would recognise a Palestinian state and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer soon followed suit, announcing the UK would recognise Palestine unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and renewed its commitment to a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted furiously to Starmer’s announcement, saying it rewarded Hamas for its “monstrous terrorism".

More than 150 nations – and almost 80 percent of UN members – now recognise Palestine. The UN General Assembly itself voted on September 12, 2025, in favour of a resolution that would recognise a Palestinian state provided that it sidelines and disarms Hamas.