Mapped: Which countries recognise Palestine as a state?

The history of Palestinian recognition, Which European countries recognise Palestine?, G20 recognition, Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

By doing so, it will become the first G7 country to recognise Palestine, a move that could heap pressure on other major Western powers to do the same.

So far, recognition of Palestinian sovereignty has largely been limited to countries in Africa, South America and Asia that have historically been critical of Israel.

The history of Palestinian recognition, Which European countries recognise Palestine?, G20 recognition, Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

Emmanuel Macron said France would recognise the state of Palestine (AP)

In the UK, Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from MPs and activists to immediately recognise Palestine as a state.

In response, the prime minister has said statehood is the “inalienable right” of the Palestinian people but maintained that a ceasefire in Gaza should come first.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects” France’s plans, adding: “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace”.

The Independent looks at which countries recognise the state of Palestine.

The history of Palestinian recognition

In 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the official representative of the Palestinian people, formally declared the establishment of the State of Palestine.

The PA lost control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas in 2007. The UN considers both territories as occupied by Israel and comprising a single political entity. Palestinians also want East Jerusalem to be part of a future state.

Currently, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine.

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine additional rights, including being seated with member states, the right to introduce proposals and participate in committees. It still does not have the right to vote.

Which European countries recognise Palestine?

The history of Palestinian recognition, Which European countries recognise Palestine?, G20 recognition, Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen in Gaza (REUTERS)

In the EU, Sweden, Slovenia, Ireland and Spain are the only members of the bloc so far to have recognised Palestine. Seven EU countries had already taken the step before joining the Union:

  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Poland
  • Slovakia

Several other EU members, including Malta, have indicated their intention to recognise the state of Palestine.

The EU itself and major countries such as Germany and France have “representative offices”, instead of embassies, in the West Bank city of Ramallah and support the Palestinian Authority financially.

G20 recognition

The history of Palestinian recognition, Which European countries recognise Palestine?, G20 recognition, Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

Displaced Palestinian mother Samah Matar holds her malnourished son Youssef in Gaza City (REUTERS)

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Mexico
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey

The EU, which is counted as an entity of the G20, does not recognise Palestine.

Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

The history of Palestinian recognition, Which European countries recognise Palestine?, G20 recognition, Why have G7 countries been reluctant to recognise Palestine?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street (PA Wire)

None of the G7 countries – the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan – currently recognise a Palestinian state.

In a diplomatic cable in June, the US said it opposed steps to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, saying it could go against US foreign policy interests and draw consequences.

US President Donald Trump has himself expressed doubts about a two-state solution, proposing a US takeover of Gaza in February. This was condemned by Arab states, Palestinians and the UN as "ethnic cleansing”, a claim Israel has rejected.

Sir Keir Starmer has maintained that UK recognition of a Palestinian state will only come after a ceasefire is in place.

The prime minister said on Thursday: “We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.

“A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution, which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis”

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