This year, amidst Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, nine nations – Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados – formally recognized the State of Palestine. This growing support underscores increasing global solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
According to the Leader Asia sources, each year, on November 29, the world marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Established by the UN in 1977, this day highlights international backing for Palestinian rights, including self-determination, independence, and addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees. Recognition of Palestine bolsters its international standing, enhances its ability to hold Israeli authorities accountable, and pressures Western powers to advance the two-state solution.
Countries Recognizing Palestine
To date, at least 146 UN member states and the Holy See (the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City) recognize the State of Palestine.
A Brief History of Palestinian Recognition
As per the Leaders Asia sources, on November 15, 1988, during the First Intifada, Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, declared Palestine an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Over 80 countries, particularly from the Global South, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world, swiftly recognized its statehood. Many European nations that recognized Palestine at the time were part of the former Soviet bloc.
The 1993 Oslo Accords, intended to pave the way for Palestinian statehood alongside Israel, failed to achieve this goal. However, Palestinian recognition grew steadily, with nearly 20 nations joining the list in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and another dozen between 2000 and 2010, predominantly from Africa and South America.
By 2011, nearly all African nations, except Eritrea and Cameroon, had recognized Palestine. In 2012, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine “nonmember observer state” status, and in 2014, Sweden became the first Western European nation to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Recent European Recognitions
In May 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain recognized Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from these countries and announced plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. On June 4, 2024, Slovenia joined the growing list of European nations to recognize Palestine, while Malta and Belgium are actively debating similar decisions.
G7 and Palestine
Despite the broad international support, none of the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States – have recognized Palestine as a state. This contrast highlights the ongoing complexities in achieving global consensus on the Palestinian issue.
