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Several additional nations have officially recognized Palestinian statehood at a global summit hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, following previous steps by Australia, the UK, Canada, and Portugal, which sparked displeasure from Israel.
Status of Palestinian Statehood
The Palestine Liberation Organization declared an independent Palestinian state in 1988, a move quickly acknowledged by most countries in the Global South. Currently, approximately 150 out of the 193 UN member states have granted recognition.
While the U.S., Israel’s main ally, has long expressed support for a Palestinian state, it insists that recognition should come only after negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis establish a two-state solution. Until recently, major European nations shared this stance.
However, no Israeli-Palestinian negotiations have taken place since 2014. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently declared that a Palestinian state will never happen. The Palestinians hold observer status at the UN, but without voting rights. Though many countries recognize Palestinian independence, full UN membership requires Security Council approval, where the U.S. holds a veto.
Diplomatic Presence and Governance
Worldwide Palestinian missions are overseen by the Palestinian Authority, which is recognized as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The PA, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, manages limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank under agreements with Israel, issuing passports, and operating the health and education systems.
Since 2007, Gaza has been controlled by Hamas, which ousted Abbas’s Fatah movement following a brief civil war.
Embassies and Diplomatic Missions
In countries recognizing a Palestinian state, diplomatic missions are expected to upgrade to full embassies. However, establishing new embassies in Palestinian territories remains unlikely due to Israeli control over access points.
About 40 countries have consulates or representations in Ramallah, in the West Bank, or parts of Jerusalem captured by Israel in 1967, which Palestinians aim to designate as their capital. Israel considers all of Jerusalem its undivided capital, with most embassies located in Tel Aviv. The U.S. moved its embassy to Jerusalem during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Goals of Recognition
Countries moving to recognize Palestine seek to pressure Israel to cease its aggressive actions in Gaza, halt the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and renew negotiations for peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron, the first major Western leader to endorse recognition, stated that this move would be accompanied by Palestinian reforms to improve governance and strengthen their capacity to act as a credible partner in the aftermath of any conflict.
Implications of Recognition
Some argue that recognition is merely symbolic, as countries like China, India, Russia, and many Arab states already acknowledged Palestinian independence decades ago.
Since Palestine lacks full UN membership and control over borders, its ability to conduct bilateral relations remains limited. Israeli restrictions hinder access to goods, investment, and cultural exchanges. The West Bank can only be reached via Israel or the Israeli-controlled border with Jordan, and Israel controls all access to Gaza since capturing its border with Egypt during recent conflicts.
Despite this, countries endorsing recognition and the PA believe it would be more than just symbolic. Husam Zomlot, head of Palestine’s mission in the UK, suggests it could foster partnerships based on equality.
Vincent Fean, a former British diplomat in Jerusalem, notes it might prompt nations to reconsider their relationships with Israel, potentially leading to measures such as boycotting products from Israeli settlements. Though impactful, such actions would minimally affect Israel’s economy.
Reactions from the U.S. and Israel
Israel criticizes these recognition efforts, accusing them of rewarding Hamas for the attacks that led to the October 2023 war. PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.
The U.S. opposes European recognition moves, having imposed sanctions on Palestinian officials and revoked visas for Abbas and other PA figures, barring them from attending the UN General Assembly.
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