Countries including France, Canada, and 14 others advocate for mutual recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza.
In a significant development, 16 countries, including France, Canada, Australia, Spain, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and others, have collectively appealed for the recognition of the State of Palestine. The joint declaration was issued during a conference in New York, where high-level representatives from across the globe gathered to explore pathways to implement a two-state framework and advance global recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The joint appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and recognition of the State of Palestine comes amid increasing international support for Palestinian statehood. The conflict in Gaza, marked by large-scale destruction, famine, and mass displacement, has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
France, Malta, and Australia have announced plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state in September 2025 during the United Nations General Assembly. Canada intends to recognize Palestine in September 2025 but with conditions, including the Palestinian Authority holding elections in 2026 without Hamas and the demilitarization of the Palestinian state. The United Kingdom plans conditional recognition by September 2025, contingent on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and demonstrating substantive steps toward peace. San Marino has announced a gradual recognition process in 2025.
Beyond France, Canada, and Australia, the countries endorsing this appeal include Spain, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Malta, San Marino (announced plans for recognition in 2025), and several Western nations that joined France in this collective appeal at the July 2025 New York conference.
The joint declaration reaffirms a commitment to "two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions." It also urges full Palestinian membership in the United Nations.
The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, was attended by Palestine and boycotted by the United States. It called for Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza and the handover of the territory to the Palestinian Authority. The declaration emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip and the necessity of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority's governance.
The joint declaration also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and remains, and unimpeded humanitarian access. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke at the United Nations conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, emphasizing the urgent need to stop the war in Gaza, release all hostages and detainees, and end Israel's military presence in the Gaza Strip.
This joint appeal and recognition push reflect growing global momentum toward Palestinian state recognition amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Gaza, coupled with an urgent call for peace, ceasefire, and adherence to international law. As of now, approximately 148 out of 193 UN member states recognize Palestine, with Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognizing Palestine on May 28, 2024, followed by Slovenia on June 5. The offensive, backed by the United States, has continued despite global outcry and binding orders from the International Court of Justice to cease hostilities.
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