Support for Palestinian statehood has continued to build, with more than 145 nations worldwide now extending formal recognition.
The first wave of recognitions came in 1988, after the Palestine National Council proclaimed the establishment of a state. Many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America followed during the 1990s and 2000s, with further endorsements continuing into the 2010s, according to the United Nations.
The momentum gained fresh ground in 2024, when several European and Caribbean nations – including Barbados, Ireland, Jamaica, Norway and Spain – added their names to the list. At the time, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris urged Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu “to heed the world’s voice and end the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.”
The latest shift came on Sunday, when Canada and the United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine, making them the first members of the G7 bloc to take that step. Australia and Portugal swiftly joined them, widening the circle of Western states departing from Washington’s stance.
Their actions mirror pledges by France, Belgium and other European governments, which announced they would bring recognition to the floor of the United Nations General Assembly this September.
The recent wave of recognitions has highlighted Washington’s growing isolation on the issue. While its closest allies have moved to support Palestinian sovereignty, the United States continues to oppose recognition and defend Israel’s conduct of the war.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the recognitions as a “reward for Hamas,” claiming they would undermine efforts toward a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump also voiced criticism of the European decisions.
These developments come amid intensifying outrage over Israel’s assault on Gaza City and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The blockade of food and medical supplies has pushed large parts of the territory to the brink of starvation, drawing condemnation from UN agencies and aid organisations worldwide.
