147 Countries Recognize Palestine as an Independent State, Representing 75% of UN Member Nations

147 Countries Recognize Palestine as an Independent State, Representing 75% of UN Member Nations

147 countries have recognized the State of Palestine as an independent nation, which accounts for 75% of the United Nations’ 193 member states. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France is planning to recognize Palestine as a state within the next few months. This step could be finalized at a United Nations conference to be held in New York in June, potentially contributing to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Macron further noted that following such recognition, some Middle Eastern countries may formally recognize Israel in return. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, calling it "a step in the right direction."

Amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, ten more countries — Mexico, Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados — have formally recognized Palestine as a state, reflecting growing international support.

Recognizing Palestine as a state strengthens its global position, increases accountability for Israeli authorities over occupation-related issues, and puts pressure on Western powers to implement a two-state solution.

Which Countries Have Recognized Palestine?

Currently, 147 out of 193 United Nations member states have recognized the State of Palestine as an independent country — about 75% of the global community. Palestine is also recognized by the Holy See (Vatican City), a permanent observer at the UN.

A Brief History of Palestinian Recognition

On November 15, 1988, during the First Intifada (uprising), Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), declared an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. After this, over 80 countries — mainly from the Global South, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world — recognized Palestine.

Most European nations began recognizing Palestine after the 1990s, when the first round of direct Palestine-Israel negotiations took place in Paris. In 2012, the UN General Assembly granted Palestine the status of a "non-member observer state."

On May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain recognized Palestine within its pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from these three European countries and announced plans to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

On June 4, 2024, Slovenia also decided to recognize Palestine as a state. Other European countries like Malta and Belgium are reportedly considering similar recognition.

Position of G7 Countries

However, none of the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — have officially recognized Palestine as a state.