The countries that recognize Palestinian statehood, mapped
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Nearly two years into the Israel-Hamas war, a cascade of countries has formally recognized a Palestinian state — a debate that's set to dominate the UN General Assembly this week.
The big picture: As representatives from more than 190 countries gather Monday in New York, it will be President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who oppose recognition of the state of Palestine, against much of the world."
Driving the news: France will formally recognize statehood Monday, a move President Emmanuel Macron has framed as necessary to establish a sustainable peace. More nations are expected to follow.
- On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal joined the more than 145 nations that recognize Palestine.
What they're saying: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Hamas as a "brutal terror organization" that can have no role in Gaza's governance. "A call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision."
- "Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a Sunday statement. Doing so, he said, "in no way" legitimizes or rewards terrorism.
Flashback: Most countries that recognized Palestinian statehood did so in 1988 when the Palestine Liberation Organization declared independent statehood.
- In May 2024, Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized Palestine, followed by Slovenia and Armenia later that year. Several Caribbean nations did the same.
Friction point: In July, Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Macron's intent to recognize Palestinian statehood as "reckless".
- A wave of Republican lawmakers have similarly framed the move as a reward to Hamas — but leaders promoting recognition have described it as necessary to a two-state solution and as directly opposing Hamas' vision.
What we're watching: France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and San Marino are expected to imminently join the ranks recognizing statehood, per the UN.
Go deeper: Scoop: Inside Democrats' growing push for Palestinian statehood
