Ten Nations Poised to Formally Recognize Palestinian State at UN Summit

Historic Diplomatic Shift Expected at UN

A significant diplomatic event is set to unfold on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where ten nations are scheduled to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state. This move, which includes countries such as Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Portugal, Malta, Luxembourg, Andorra, and San Marino, marks a notable shift in international policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The high-level summit, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aims to advance the prospect of a two-state solution amid ongoing tensions in the region.

International Momentum and Participating Nations

The planned recognitions come as part of a growing international push for Palestinian statehood. As of March 2025, 147 out of 193 UN member states, representing approximately 75 percent of the global body, have already officially recognized Palestine. The upcoming declarations will add to this number, with several Western nations joining the ranks of countries that acknowledge Palestinian sovereignty. The nations expected to make formal announcements include:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Britain (United Kingdom)
• Canada
• France
• Portugal
• Malta
• Luxembourg
• Andorra
• San Marino

This collective action follows a recent UN General Assembly vote where a non-binding resolution supporting a two-state solution was overwhelmingly endorsed by 142 countries, with 10 voting against, including the United States.

Israel's Strong Opposition and Palestinian Response

The planned recognitions have drawn strong condemnation from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated that 'there will be no Palestinian state' and has labeled such international moves as a 'prize for terror.' Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon echoed this sentiment, asserting that 'The only beneficiary is Hamas.' These statements reflect Israel's long-standing position against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing it undermines direct negotiations.

Conversely, Palestinian officials view the upcoming recognitions as a crucial step towards self-determination. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stated that this diplomatic push sends a 'clear message to the Israelis on their illusions on continuing their occupation forever' and empowers the two-state concept. She emphasized that recognition is not merely symbolic but builds towards ending aggression in the Gaza Strip. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to proceed with recognition, stating that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace and describing the upcoming recognitions as 'a profoundly symbolic milestone.'

Context of Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

The backdrop to these diplomatic efforts is the nearly two-year war in Gaza and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The dire situation in Gaza, including widespread famine and the collapse of healthcare services, has intensified calls for international action and has reportedly influenced some of Israel's traditional allies to consider recognizing a Palestinian state. Interestingly, an Israeli grassroots movement, Zazim – Community Action, has gathered nearly 9,000 signatures on a petition supporting Palestinian state recognition and an end to the Gaza war, aiming to demonstrate that a significant portion of Israeli society believes recognition is in Israel's interest.