As outrage mounts over Israel’s war in Gaza, more countries are moving to recognize a Palestinian state, deepening the international isolation of the Trump administration and the Israeli government.
Of the 193 United Nations member states, 147 already recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Palestine currently holds observer status at the UN, but momentum for full recognition is rapidly building.
In a historic move, France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September, becoming the first G7 nation to do so. The French decision marks a major shift in Western policy and is expected to put pressure on other major powers to follow suit.
Britain has announced it plans to recognize Palestine unless Israel agrees to a cease-fire and takes “substantive steps” to end what UK officials have described as the “appalling situation in Gaza.”
Meanwhile, Canada has linked recognition to internal reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including a commitment to hold elections in 2026 from which Hamas would be excluded.
A number of other key U.S. allies, including Australia, New Zealand, and EU members like Finland, Portugal, and Malta, are actively considering recognition. Malta has already announced plans to move ahead.
The latest developments follow a wave of recognitions in 2024, when countries including Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Armenia, and several Caribbean nations officially recognized Palestinian statehood.
The growing list of recognitions signals a shifting diplomatic consensus and increases pressure on Israel and the United States to reconsider their positions. It also reflects broader frustration with the lack of progress toward a two-state solution and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
