As of July 2025, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of 59,219 people, with 10 Palestinians dying from hunger. The ongoing conflict and blockade have raised global concerns about the future of Palestine and intensified calls for international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
So, which countries recognize Palestine as an independent state? Which ones don’t? Here’s a comprehensive overview.
The Dire Situation in Gaza
Under intense Israeli military assault and a tight blockade, the Gaza Strip is suffering from widespread hunger, lack of clean water, and absence of hygiene supplies.
Children are among the most affected, with rising death tolls due to starvation. Local and international organizations have accused Israel of “using hunger and thirst as weapons”.
Displaced Palestinians are living in makeshift tents or overcrowded shelters, often in unsanitary conditions where access to toilets is limited, and infectious diseases are spreading rapidly. The global community remains largely passive, drawing criticism from human rights groups and pro-Palestine activists.
France to Officially Recognize Palestine in September 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in September 2025.
On social media platform X, Macron stated:
“In line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, France has decided to recognize the State of Palestine.”
This decision is expected to increase the number of countries recognizing Palestine to 148 out of 193 UN member states.
✅ Countries That Recognize Palestine (as of 2025)
Currently, around 147 countries have formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. The list includes countries from Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Nations that recognized Palestine in 2024–2025:
- Norway
- Ireland
- Spain
- Slovenia
- Armenia
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- Bahamas
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Barbados
France is set to join this list in September 2025.
EU Countries that already recognize Palestine:
- Sweden
- Cyprus
- Hungary
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Romania
- Bulgaria
- Poland
These recognitions are seen as steps toward supporting Palestinian statehood and applying pressure for a two-state solution.
❌ Countries That Do Not Recognize Palestine (as of 2025)
Several influential Western and Asian countries still do not formally recognize Palestine. These include:
- United States
- Canada
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
These nations argue that recognition should only follow a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians and guarantees for Israel’s security.
Conclusion: A Divided World on Palestinian Statehood
The recognition of Palestine remains a polarizing issue in international politics. While a majority of the world supports Palestinian statehood, key global powers continue to withhold formal recognition. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, the pressure on these nations to act is increasing.
With France’s upcoming recognition, momentum is building toward wider international acknowledgment of Palestine — a critical factor in shaping the future of the Middle East.
