International Recognition of the State of Palestine: An Academic Report
France recognizes Palestinian State
Overview of Palestinian State recognition.
The question of Palestinian statehood has been a central issue in international relations since the mid-20th century. Recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state by individual countries and international organizations carries profound legal, diplomatic, and political implications. This report provides an overview of the countries that recognize or refuse to recognize Palestine, examines recent developments, and outlines steps Palestine can take to consolidate its sovereignty. It concludes with an assessment of the benefits Palestine can derive from international recognition.
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Recognition of Palestine
Global Overview
As of September 2025, approximately 156–157 of the 193 United Nations member states have formally recognized the State of Palestine. Recognition has come predominantly from countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, with increasing recognition in Europe following a surge of declarations in 2024–2025 (Wikipedia, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025).
Recent Developments
The period of 2024–2025 witnessed a dramatic increase in recognitions, particularly from Western states:
France formally recognized Palestine on 22 September 2025 at the United Nations General Assembly (Euronews, 2025).
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced recognition in the same week (Reuters, 2025).
Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino followed soon after with formal recognitions (Le Monde, 2025).
Earlier in 2024–2025, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Armenia, and Slovenia also declared recognition.
This wave of recognitions has shifted the balance within Europe and North America, historically regions where support for Palestinian statehood was less forthcoming.
Countries That Have Not Recognized Palestine
Despite broad international support, some states have withheld recognition. As of late 2025, this includes:
United States and Israel (firmly opposed).
Japan, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and some Pacific island states.
A number of European Union members, though this group is shrinking rapidly due to recent policy changes.
While many of these states support a two-state solution, they refrain from extending full diplomatic recognition, often citing the need for a negotiated settlement with Israel (Wikipedia, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025).
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The United Nations and Palestine
In 2012, the UN General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer state status, thereby acknowledging its statehood in principle (UN General Assembly Resolution 67/19). In 2024 and 2025, the General Assembly expanded Palestine’s rights further, granting it enhanced participation in debates, committees, and international forums (Al Jazeera, 2025). Full UN membership remains blocked due to the U.S. veto in the Security Council.
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Steps Toward Consolidating Sovereignty
1. Diplomatic Measures
Strengthen bilateral ties with recognizing states by opening embassies and signing agreements on trade, visas, and cultural exchange.
Expand participation in international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions and human rights conventions.
Apply for membership in UN specialized agencies and other multilateral organizations.
2. Legal and Judicial Engagement
Engage the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue accountability in line with international law.
Utilize arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve conflicts without relying solely on bilateral negotiations.
3. State-Building and Governance
Enhance rule of law, anti-corruption frameworks, and institutional effectiveness.
Establish robust customs, taxation, and regulatory systems to facilitate trade and economic agreements.
4. Economic Development
Negotiate trade and investment treaties with recognizing states.
Strengthen diaspora investment channels and attract international aid.
Develop infrastructure and reconstruction programs backed by donor states and international institutions.
5. Security and Borders
Negotiate internationally guaranteed security arrangements with Israel and neighbors.
Seek UN or multinational observer missions to stabilize contested areas.
6. Public Diplomacy
Leverage recognition diplomatically to strengthen Palestine’s position in peace talks.
Build narratives of legitimacy and effective governance through civil society and media outreach.
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Benefits of International Recognition
1. Legal Standing: Recognition solidifies Palestine’s claims under international law and strengthens its case before international courts (UNGA, 2012).
2. Institutional Access: Recognition facilitates entry into global institutions and financial bodies (Al Jazeera, 2025).
3. Diplomatic Protection: Establishes reciprocal relations, enabling Palestine to lodge diplomatic complaints and secure support in international crises.
4. Economic Opportunities: Unlocks aid, investment, and development financing.
5. Political Leverage: The majority recognition (150+ states) exerts pressure on holdout states, altering the global diplomatic balance.
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Conclusion
Palestine has reached a new threshold of international legitimacy, with recognition by a significant majority of UN member states. The recognition by major Western powers such as France, the UK, and Canada marks a pivotal shift. While challenges remain—particularly the lack of recognition by the United States and the continued conflict with Israel—the momentum provides Palestine with opportunities to consolidate sovereignty, strengthen institutions, and advance its aspirations for full membership in the United Nations.
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References
Al Jazeera. (2025). Which are the 150+ countries that have recognised Palestine? Retrieved from [Al Jazeera News].
Euronews. (2025, September 22). France joins UK, Portugal and Canada in recognising Palestinian state. Retrieved from [euronews.com].
Le Monde. (2025). Interactive map of recognition of Palestine. Retrieved from [Le Monde].
Reuters. (2025, September). UK, Canada, Australia recognise Palestine. Retrieved from [Reuters].
United Nations General Assembly. (2012). Resolution 67/19: Status of Palestine in the United Nations.
Wikipedia. (2025). International recognition of the State of Palestine. Retrieved from [Wikipedia].
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This article, excluding the video, was generated using ChatGTB on September 24, 2025