Over 150 Countries Recognize Palestine's Sovereignty in Historic Milestone

Over 150 Countries Recognize Palestine as Sovereign State As of September 2025, more than 150 countries have formally recognized the Palestinian state, a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for peace and self-determination in the Middle East. The latest recognitions come from France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium, which joined Canada, Australia, Portugal, and the United Kingdom in acknowledging Palestine as a sovereign nation. According to Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestine Mission to the UK, "This recognition is a testament to the growing international support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood." He added that this development "keeps alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution" in the region. The United Kingdom's decision to formally recognize Palestine was announced on September 22, 2025, during the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA). UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a video message that "in the face of growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and of a two-state solution." This recognition is significant because it comes more than 100 years after the Balfour Declaration, which backed the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. It also follows 77 years since the creation of Israel in the British Mandate of Palestine. The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has been a long-standing demand from the Palestinian people and their supporters worldwide. The international community's growing support for this cause is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Background and Context The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the early 20th century, with the Balfour Declaration in 1917 marking a significant turning point. The declaration expressed British support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which was then under Ottoman rule. After World War I, Britain took control of Palestine and issued the 1939 White Paper, which limited Jewish immigration to the region. In 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to the Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Since then, the conflict has continued, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence. Additional Perspectives The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has been welcomed by many in the international community, including human rights organizations and advocacy groups. However, some have expressed concerns about the implications for Israel's security and the potential impact on the peace process. "Recognition of Palestine is an important step towards achieving justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people," said Sarah Leah Whitson, a prominent human rights advocate. "However, it must be accompanied by concrete actions to address the root causes of the conflict, including Israeli settlement expansion and occupation." Current Status and Next Developments As of September 2025, over 150 countries have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. The latest recognitions from France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium bring the total number of countries supporting Palestinian statehood to more than 150. The international community's growing support for Palestine is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, much work remains to be done to achieve lasting peace and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians. In the words of Husam Zomlot, "This recognition is not just a victory for the Palestinian people; it is also a reminder that the international community will not stand idly by while human rights are violated and occupation continues." *Reporting by Aljazeera.*