Momentum is growing for international recognition of a Palestinian State, even as the United States and Israel strongly oppose the move.
On Monday, Britain formally recognised Palestine, following similar steps by Canada and Australia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the recognition “keeps alive the possibility of peace,” while reaffirming support for efforts to free Israeli hostages.
As of September 2025, 150 of the 193 UN member states — over 78% — now recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had already granted Palestine non-member observer status in 2012.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the endorsements, calling them a “reward for terrorism.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was even more forceful, declaring: “There will be no Palestinian State west of the Jordan River.” Netanyahu argued that recognising Palestine undermines peace, while pledging to expand Jewish settlements.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry echoed this stance, calling the recognitions a “one-sided declaration” that separates statehood from negotiation and risks further destabilisation.
The moves have divided political opinion in Western countries. UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Starmer’s decision as “absolutely disastrous,” warning it “rewards terrorism with no conditions.” Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza also voiced concern, saying recognition complicates rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address this year’s gathering via video, after the U.S. denied him a visa to attend in person. The resolution passed with 145 votes in favour, five against, and six abstentions.
Nigeria’s absence at UNGA
President Bola Tinubu once again skipped the UNGA, sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. Analysts are divided on the decision.
Policy analyst Magnus Onyibe argued that recognising Palestine “may be an emotional decision, not a pragmatic one,” and expressed doubts about a two-state solution, citing conflicts in Sudan and Eritrea. He also defended Tinubu’s absence, saying the president prioritised domestic issues.
Dr. Philippa Osim Inyang of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs said the delegation shows Nigeria remains engaged at the UN. She noted that recognition of Palestine is a political act, but one that reinforces the principle of self-determination in international law.
LASU professor Sylvester Odion described recognition as a positive step but warned that any Security Council resolution would face a U.S. veto. He added that Nigeria has often taken a neutral stance on the conflict.
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