THE United Kingdom said it would press ahead with recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend, before making a formal declaration at the United Nations tomorrow. However, at press time, nothing has been announced.
Most countries in the United Nations – 147 out of 193 – already recognise a Palestinian state, which currently has observer status at the UN.
On Monday, around 10 countries – most major United States allies – are expected to join their ranks.
First, France said it would recognise a Palestinian state in September, and in the days that followed, Britain and Canada announced that they, too, were prepared to follow suit.
Britain said it would move forward if Israel did not agree to a ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip by September, while Canada tied a final decision to political changes by the Palestinian Authority.
The announcements reflect the deep frustrations of Western countries with Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza, analysts say, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left a population of about two million in a state of extreme privation and hunger.
On Friday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement that Portugal’s parliament and president have recognised Palestine’s statehood and its government is announcing the recognition today.
Several other European states, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, recognised a Palestinian state last year. Among the 32 Nato countries, 14 have recognised a Palestinian state.
Among the Group of 20 industrialised nations, 10 already recognise a Palestinian state.
There are five permanent members of the UN Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The moves by France and Britain would leave the US as the only permanent member that does not recognise a Palestinian state.
Last year, the US blocked the Security Council from moving forward on a Palestinian bid to be recognised as a full member state at the United Nations. The vote was 12 in favour of the resolution and one – the United States – opposed, with abstentions from Britain and Switzerland. — ©2025 The New York Times Company
