Global divisions deepen as more nations back Palestinian State
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 […]