The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia on Sunday announced the formal recognition of the State of Palestine, joining a wave of countries preparing similar declarations in what is seen as a major international manoeuvre aimed at reviving prospects for a two-state solution.
The coordinated step comes as more of Israel’s allies prepare to follow suit, with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta and possibly New Zealand and Liechtenstein expected to announce their decisions at a special United Nations conference on Monday. The recognition drive, supported by Arab states and led largely by France, adds to the 147 UN members that already recognise Palestine.
The move reflects mounting concern over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including in the E1 corridor. Critics warn these plans would split Palestinian territory and cut off access to East Jerusalem, making a future state unviable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the recognitions, saying they reward Hamas and threaten Israel’s security. He has warned against the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River and dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposals for a reformed Palestinian Authority and international security presence in Gaza.
Macron, identified as the central figure behind the surge in recognitions, defended the initiative in an interview on Israel’s Channel 12. He said: “The approach of your government and some ministers especially is to destroy the possibility of a two-state solution. An emergency had been created by the building of new major settlements that meant the world is at the last minute before proposing two states will become totally impossible.” He insisted recognition was not a reward for Hamas, but part of a broader plan to secure peace.
The UN conference opening Monday will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, though Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged states not to be deterred by Israeli threats of annexation, warning that such actions could isolate Israel further, even raising the possibility of European trade sanctions or suspension from the UN.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have boycotted the preparatory meetings for the conference. Washington has opposed giving Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a speaking platform at the UN, even moving to block visas for the Palestinian delegation. The UN General Assembly voted 145 to five to allow Abbas to address the conference via video link. His remarks are expected to be closely watched for signs of commitment to reforms.
Western officials acknowledge that the recognition push carries risks, particularly around the Palestinian Authority’s ability to reform and Hamas’s future role in Gaza. However, French diplomats argue that Abbas has already made concessions, including publicly condemning the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel as terrorism. Macron has proposed that an international UN-mandated force be deployed in Gaza and that vetted Palestinian police be trained to take over security duties.
Despite this, Netanyahu has refused to accept the French plan. He has rejected Macron’s offer to visit Israel unless the recognition proposal is dropped. Macron responded by warning that Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza City was causing civilian casualties that “completely destroy the image and credibility of Israel, not just in the region but in public opinions everywhere.”
The recognition of Palestine by some of Israel’s closest allies marks a turning point in diplomatic relations, while also raising the risk of confrontation. The coming days at the UN will test whether the momentum behind the two-state solution can be sustained, or whether Israeli opposition and US reluctance will stall the initiative.
