About three-quarters of United Nations member states recognize Palestine as a “permanent observer state” within various intergovernmental organizations.
Recently, three nations closely allied with the U.S. contributed to this acknowledgment.
Last week, France officially recognized Palestinian statehood, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that this recognition aligns with the commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East.
France now stands as the first nation in the G7 to make this declaration.
This announcement followed a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, which led to the withdrawal of negotiators from Qatar by both Israel and the U.S. Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, has attributed the breakdown to Hamas, suggesting that alternative measures will be considered to secure the return of hostages and establish a more stable environment in Gaza.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN remarked last week that no resolutions or unilateral declarations from the UN would foster peace.
In light of ongoing international concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that the U.K. might recognize Palestinian statehood unless Israel takes steps to end the conflict with Hamas.
British officials have set a deadline for the UN General Assembly next September, with Hamas urging for increased humanitarian aid to release the remaining hostages.
“I have consistently stated that we would recognize Palestine to support the peace process when it could significantly contribute to a two-state solution, which is currently at risk,” he said.
Canada has also joined the U.S. ally list in recognizing Palestinian statehood this week.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Ottawa would seek UN General Assembly endorsement next September, aiming for a partnership with Palestinian authorities to organize general elections in 2026, excluding Hamas.
Trump commented that such a decision by Canada could hinder U.S.-Canada trade negotiations.
On Monday, Trump revealed plans for a “food center” in Gaza, amid widespread scrutiny of food distribution efforts and reports of severe hunger affecting the enclave’s population of around 2.1 million.
He also expressed a different perspective from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation in Gaza.
On Thursday, the White House announced that U.S. ambassador Witkoff and Israeli official Mike Huckabee were headed to Gaza to oversee food distribution sites and gain firsthand insight into the local humanitarian conditions.
