The prospects for the Palestinian people achieving their state might seem more distant than ever amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and the escalating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

However, several European countries are moving forward with the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The actions taken on Tuesday by Ireland, Spain, and Norway, announced last week, are likely to pressure other European nations, such as the UK, France, and Germany, to join them in supporting Palestinian self-determination.

Dive deeper

Most countries—approximately 139 in total—formally recognize a Palestinian state. On May 10, 143 out of 193 United Nations General Assembly members voted in favor of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, a status that is available only to states. Currently, Palestine holds an enhanced observer status at the UN, which allows them a seat but no voting rights in the assembly. Additionally, Palestine is recognized by various international organizations, including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

A minority of European countries already recognize a Palestinian state. These include Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, which adopted this stance in 1988, as well as others like Sweden and Cyprus. However, many European nations and the United States have stated that they will recognize a Palestinian state only as part of a comprehensive political resolution to the Middle East struggle. This approach is often referred to as the "two-state solution".

The big picture

European countries and the US have different views on when to recognize a Palestinian state. Ireland, Spain, and Norway are choosing to do so now to jump-start a political process. They believe that a lasting solution to the current crisis will only be possible if both sides can work towards a political goal. These countries are also responding to domestic political pressures to show greater support for Palestinians.

Historically, many Western countries held the position that Palestinian statehood should be a reward for a final peace agreement. However, Lord Cameron, the UK Foreign Secretary, along with officials from several other European countries, have recently shifted their stance. They now suggest that recognizing Palestinian statehood earlier could help generate momentum toward achieving a political settlement.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France." Earlier this month, France supported Palestinian membership in the UN during the General Assembly vote. 

The central debate behind the scenes seemingly revolves around the timing of recognizing a Palestinian state.
 
As of last week, several additional European countries now support the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Spain, Ireland, Norway to make 'firm' response to Israeli rebukes: minister

Spain's top diplomat announced that Spain, Ireland, and Norway will collectively deliver a "firm" response to "Israel's" angry reaction to their decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

The plans announced last week by these three countries provoked a furious response from "Israel", with its Foreign Minister Israel Katz notably posting several contentious messages on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares criticized Katz for attempting to deflect attention away from Israeli actions.

"I am well aware that my Israeli colleague has spent days creating provocations, posting vile false allegations on social media about our government and the Irish and Norwegian governments," Albares said.

"I totally get his strategy ... that rather than talking about a Palestinian state, a ceasefire, releasing hostages and access to humanitarian aid, we focus on (Israel's) online posts and provocations," he added.

He went on to say that the three governments would issue "a coordinated response... which will be calm but firm."

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