In a landmark development, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia recognised Palestinian statehood on Sunday, with Portugal following suit calling for recognition “a fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy” and urging an immediate ceasefire.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on X, saying, “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution , the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”
The move comes amid strong opposition from the US and Israel, who have criticised it as rewarding Hamas and terrorism. A US State Department spokesperson dismissed the recognition as “performative,” stressing that Washington’s focus remains on “serious diplomacy, the release of hostages, the security of Israel, and peace in the region free from Hamas,” AFP reported.
The recognition adds to a growing list of countries that acknowledge Palestinian statehood. According to AFP, at least 145 of 193 UN member states now recognize Palestine. Russia, all Arab countries, most African and Latin American nations, and major Asian powers, including India and China are already on the list.
Other countries expected to follow suit include France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and possibly New Zealand and Liechtenstein.
The first recognition came on November 15, 1988, when Algeria acknowledged Palestinian statehood minutes after the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared independence.
Nato and G20
Among Nato’s 32 member countries, 14 already recognise a Palestinian state. After Britain, France and Canada follow through, the number has risen to 17. Within the G20, 10 countries currently extend recognition. The latest announcements would push this total to 13.
What is India's take on Palestinian state?
India was one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine after its declaration in 1988. Even earlier, in 1974, India had recognised the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, showing its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
India is set to take part in a UN high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and the two-state solution. So far, 123 countries and organisations have signed up for the three-day meeting starting Monday. The event will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Here is a list of countries that formally recognise the state of Palestine
The recognition comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The conflict has left over 60,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and caused extensive destruction in the region. Israel continues to control the West Bank, while the Gaza Strip remains largely in ruins.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on X, saying, “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution , the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”
The move comes amid strong opposition from the US and Israel, who have criticised it as rewarding Hamas and terrorism. A US State Department spokesperson dismissed the recognition as “performative,” stressing that Washington’s focus remains on “serious diplomacy, the release of hostages, the security of Israel, and peace in the region free from Hamas,” AFP reported.
The recognition adds to a growing list of countries that acknowledge Palestinian statehood. According to AFP, at least 145 of 193 UN member states now recognize Palestine. Russia, all Arab countries, most African and Latin American nations, and major Asian powers, including India and China are already on the list.
Other countries expected to follow suit include France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and possibly New Zealand and Liechtenstein.
The first recognition came on November 15, 1988, when Algeria acknowledged Palestinian statehood minutes after the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared independence.
Nato and G20
Among Nato’s 32 member countries, 14 already recognise a Palestinian state. After Britain, France and Canada follow through, the number has risen to 17. Within the G20, 10 countries currently extend recognition. The latest announcements would push this total to 13.
What is India's take on Palestinian state?
India was one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine after its declaration in 1988. Even earlier, in 1974, India had recognised the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, showing its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
India is set to take part in a UN high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and the two-state solution. So far, 123 countries and organisations have signed up for the three-day meeting starting Monday. The event will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Here is a list of countries that formally recognise the state of Palestine
The recognition comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The conflict has left over 60,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and caused extensive destruction in the region. Israel continues to control the West Bank, while the Gaza Strip remains largely in ruins.
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