Luxembourg, Malta join countries recognizing Palestinian state
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Luxembourg and Malta are set to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, joining Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
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A woman holds a Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestinian gathering at the Republic Square in Paris, on September 17, 2025 (AP)
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden has declared that the "two-state solution" in Palestine must be given a “second chance", as his country prepares to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
"The only way forward is to make sure that now the two-state solution gets new energy (and) a second chance," Frieden told CNN.
Luxembourg will join France, Belgium, Malta, and San Marino in announcing recognition of Palestine, in what is being described as a coordinated move to reaffirm international law and press for a political solution to the ongoing war on Gaza.
Frieden emphasized that Luxembourg’s decision was not an act of hostility against "Israel", but a rejection of the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
"We are not taking any decision against Israel. We are taking decisions against the actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, with which we disagree, because those actions are against a rules-based international order," he said.
The prime minister added that international humanitarian law was being violated in Gaza and that restoring respect for international law was essential.
Malta: Recognition a 'historic' step toward peace
Malta will also announce its recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN assembly, joining a growing list of countries taking similar steps. Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal all recognized Palestine on Sunday, with France and others expected to follow.
Prime Minister Robert Abela, who first pledged recognition in May, described Malta’s decision as a “historic” move and reaffirmed the country’s longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
"On the eve of Malta’s recognition of a Palestinian state, we delivered a consignment of flour to Gaza," Abela wrote in a Facebook post, highlighting the Mediterranean island’s humanitarian support.
He added that Malta remains committed to a "two-state solution" and to peace in the region, while continuing to maintain diplomatic relations with "Israel".
Coordinated push at UN
The wave of recognitions marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, with several European states aligning their positions at the UN General Assembly. Leaders argue that recognizing Palestine is necessary to revive the "two-state" framework, hold "Israel" accountable for violations in Gaza, and re-establish a rules-based international order.
