Palestine

Man holding Palestinian flag

France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco formally recognize Palestinian statehood

In a landmark diplomatic moment, France, Belgium, and a coalition of other European nations have formally recognized a Palestinian state. The coordinated effort, announced at the United Nations General Assembly, is a powerful affirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. This is a significant step toward a two-state solution, demonstrating a growing international consensus that a stable peace in the Middle East requires a sovereign Palestine existing alongside Israel.

Palestinian flags

Britain, Australia, and Canada formally recognize a Palestinian state

In a landmark move, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized Palestine as an independent state.
This diplomatic action, hailed as a major step toward a two-state solution, is a powerful affirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The coordinated effort signals a growing international consensus that a stable and lasting peace requires a sovereign Palestinian state existing alongside Israel.
While this move is largely symbolic and does nothing to mitigate the suffering happening in Gaza every day, it is perhaps still a moment of hope, demonstrating that diplomacy and international law can be key tools in resolving long-standing conflicts and moving toward justice.

Peace sign lit in the sky at night

Israel and Hamas agree to cease-fire after 15 months of war and terror

The guns have gone silent in Gaza after over a year of brutal war, destruction, and terror. The initial stage of a truce between Israel and Hamas prompted celebrations in Gaza and hope for an end to the 15-month war. Three women were the first Israeli hostages to be released. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release dozens of Palestinian prisoners. Since October 2023, over 45,900 Palestinians and 1,700 Israelis have been killed, including many civilians, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

Man holding Palestinian flag

Ireland, Norway, and Spain jointly recognize Palestine as a state

At a time when European capitals are divided over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the initiative aims to relaunch the peace process on the basis of the two-state solution. The State of Palestine is now recognized as a sovereign state by 145 of the 193 member states of the United Nations. It has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations General Assembly since November 2012.