As of September 22, 2025, the State of Palestine is formally recognized by at least 155 of the 193 United Nations member states. This marks a decisive shift in global diplomacy, with a wave of Western countries joining the longstanding majority of the Global South in affirming Palestinian statehood amid escalating genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Historical Trajectory
The State of Palestine was first declared by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on November 15, 1988. Within weeks, over 70 countries—primarily Arab, African, and Asian—extended recognition.
Over the following decades, Latin American and Eastern European nations joined, with Sweden becoming the first EU member to recognize Palestine in 2014.
Palestine gained non-member observer status at the UN in 2012 and has since joined several international bodies, including UNESCO and the International Criminal Court.
🇵🇸 🇩🇰 “ The keys to recognition of the Palestine State should no longer lie in the hands of the Israeli government.” pic.twitter.com/R5ur2f9OoX
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
Recognition Status in 2025
The current diplomatic landscape reflects a growing consensus:
- Recognizing States: At least 155 UN member states, plus the Holy See (The central governing body of the Catholic Church, led by the Pope.)
- Recent Recognitions (2024–2025): Ireland, Spain, Norway, Slovenia, Armenia, Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, San Marino, Andorra
- Pending or Signaled Intent: Monaco, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Czech Republic (under review)
- Non-Recognizing States: United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic
🇵🇸 🇸🇮 “Slovenia has acted, we recognized the State of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/EezLwgNbup
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
France’s formal recognition was announced at the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2025, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring it “a necessary step toward peace and justice.”
The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal had recognized Palestine the day before, on September 21, 2025, in a coordinated diplomatic move.
🇵🇸 🇦🇩 “The Government of Andorra approved the recognition of the State of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/AbUdRmg1Zt
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
Statements from Palestine’s UN Mission
The official account @Palestine_UN has actively documented each recognition. Paraphrased highlights include:
- On the UK, Canada, and Australia: “A historic day. These recognitions affirm our people’s right to justice and sovereignty.”
- On France’s UNGA declaration: “Recognition is irreversible. France’s stance is a moral and strategic milestone.”
- On Latin American and Caribbean support: “We thank Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago for their principled stance. The Caribbean’s voice matters.”
- On UN membership: “Recognition is not symbolic—it is legal and political. We call on the Security Council to end the veto blockade.”
- On Israeli opposition: “No number of threats or annexation rhetoric can erase our rights. Recognition is a sovereign act.”
🇵🇸 🇲🇽 “ A just and lasting and peaceful solution based on international law must be supported.” pic.twitter.com/9EYysZ7OuP
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
Strategic Impact
Recognition enhances Palestine’s ability to:
- Establish embassies and sign treaties.
- Join international legal frameworks.
- Pursue accountability for trade of products of illegal Israeli colonies.
- Bolster the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority.
It is worth noting that the majority of countries recognizing Palestine have emphasized support for the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate governing body, while explicitly distancing their recognition from any endorsement of Hamas.
These recognitions are often accompanied by calls for democratic reform, national unity, and free elections across both the West Bank and Gaza.
🇵🇸 🇬🇧 “I stand before you today, beneath the emblem of the United Nations, to confirm the historic decision of the British Government to recognize the State of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/10h1zQSWKS
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
Israeli and US Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned recent recognitions as “a reward for terrorism,” reiterating that “a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
The United States maintains that recognition should follow a negotiated peace agreement, not precede it, and continues to veto Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.
🇵🇸 🇮🇹 “Italy strongly supports the dream of the Palestinian people to have a State.” pic.twitter.com/NIvqVzCM2L
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) September 22, 2025
With over three-quarters of UN member states now recognizing Palestine, the diplomatic tide has turned.
While recognition alone does not resolve the conflict or define borders, it reshapes the international framework and increases pressure on Israel to engage in meaningful negotiations.
The coming months may see further recognition, especially if humanitarian conditions worsen and global public opinion continues to shift.
Sources
- WAFA News Agency
- Al Jazeera – Palestine Recognition Coverage
- @Palestine_UN on X (formerly Twitter)
- UNRIC – United Nations Regional Information Centre
