UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal have officially recognized the State of Palestine ahead of today’s UN Global Summit on a two-state solution, with France, Belgium, Malta and Luxembourg expected to follow.
The summit is co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, though Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend, unlike French President Emmanuel Macron.
The number of countries that have recognized the State of Palestine has now reached 151 out of 193, or about 78%.
At the same time, the US and Israel are boycotting the UN meeting. On September 21, a US State Department spokesperson described the recognition of Palestine as “theatrical.”
“We focus on serious diplomacy, not theatrical moves. Our priorities are clear: the release of hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region, which is only possible without Hamas,” the official said.
Although partly symbolic, the recognition move could trigger retaliation from Israel, which has already threatened new illegal settlements in the West Bank. According to The Guardian, such a step could prompt European trade sanctions and deepen Israel’s political isolation, even leading to the possible suspension of its UN membership.
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