As humanitarian crises continue to exceed and cause excruciating pain to the residents of Gaza, it is significant to note how various countries across the world have started a trans-lateral approach of accepting Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly.
According to recent previous reports, decisions of formally recognition of Palestine came out from Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom during the general assembly sessions in New York City, where the countries voiced their support for the humanitarian, stability and diplomatic interventions, by calling for a two state resolution.
Seeing this rising support, various other nations, dominantly the ones from Europe backed up the movement by also officially declaring and accepting a Palestinian state in the UNGA. These six nations range from Portugal to France, Belgium, and from Luxembourg, Malta to Monaco.
Portugal: Recently on 21st September, The Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel declared full recognition of Palestine in both Lisbon and at the UNGA in New York, where Rangel tied this recognition to Portugal’s “long-standing support for a two-state solution,” while condemning any settlement expansions, and insisting the withdrawal of Hamas from governing Gaza.
Malta: Besides this, on 21st September the Maltese Government including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister recognized the State of Palestine, declaring that “the two-state solution is the only viable path” in a joint decision with Portugal and Luxembourg.
France: Then on 22nd September, France officially recognized the State of Palestine during UNGA when President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech in which he made the announcement, calling this recognition as something that is “not against Israel, but for peace,” but instead characterizing it as something that was necessary for a two-state solution.
Belgium: On the same day as France, Belgium recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, as Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Foreign Minister confirmed the move through a statement from Brussels that later caught attention in New York at UNGA. According to the nation, Belgium emphasizes equality and by saying that “Palestinian rights must be recognized equally to Israeli rights.” This initiation is adopted through a government resolution.
Luxembourg: In a coalition movement along other EU member states including Belgium, Luxembourg also recognized Palestine after the Foreign Ministry issued the announcement. This recognition comes as framed to be consistent with international law and EU solidarity.
Monaco: Lastly according to some reports the FM and Head of State; Prince Albert II of Monaco Officially recognized Palestine alongside France and Belgium. Framing it as something that was consistent with Monaco’s humanitarian diplomacy and alignment with France.
Conclusively, seen the current dynamics, this formal recognition of Palestine by 6 European nations including France, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco during UNGA 2025 marks a historic turning point in global diplomacy. Their coordinated shift, which was particularly prompted by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, signals that the political cost of inaction has become greater than the risks of recognition, as a result to this we see how various European powers are echoing their voices for the Palestinian people.
