As of 2024, 145 countries around the world recognize Palestine as an independent state. This includes 143 of the 193 United Nations member states, along with the Vatican and Western Sahara, which are not UN members. This recognition is significant because it reflects widespread international support for Palestinian statehood.
The momentum for recognizing Palestine has been growing over the years. In 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared Palestine an independent state, and Algeria was the first country to recognize it. Since then, many countries, especially from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, have extended recognition. Latin American countries like Brazil and Argentina also joined in the early 2000s, followed by others such as Mexico in 2023.
Recently, several European countries have shown support. Sweden was the first Western European country to recognize Palestine in 2014. In 2024, Ireland, Norway, and Spain made headlines by announcing their recognition, influenced by increasing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other European nations, including Slovenia, Malta, and Belgium, are also considering similar steps.
This growing recognition contrasts with the stance of countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, which do not recognize Palestinian statehood. These countries, along with several Western European nations, typically support Israel and argue that statehood should be achieved through direct negotiations rather than unilateral declarations.
The recognition of Palestine as a state is not just a symbolic gesture. It carries significant political implications, enhancing Palestine’s ability to participate in international forums and assert its rights under international law. For instance, in 2012, the UN General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer state status, which was a crucial step towards full membership.
However, the path to full international acceptance and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state remains complex and fraught with political challenges. The Israeli government continues to oppose Palestinian statehood without a negotiated peace agreement, citing security concerns and the need for direct bilateral negotiations.
Overall, the international community remains divided, but the growing number of countries recognizing Palestine underscores a significant shift towards supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination (Al Jazeera) (EuNews) (Wikipedia).