International recognition of the State of Palestine
Encyclopedia
The State of Palestine
was proclaimed
on 15 November 1988 in Algiers
at an extraordinary session in exile of the Palestine National Council. Legal justification for this act was based on United Nations General Assembly
Resolution 181 (II) of 29 November 1947, which provided for the termination and partition of the British Mandate into two states
.
The declaration was promptly acknowledged by a range of countries, and by the end of the year the proclaimed state was recognised by over 80 nations. In February 1989 at the United Nations Security Council, the PLO representative publicly acknowledged recognition from 94 states. As part of an attempt to resolve the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict
, the Oslo Accords
signed between Israel
and the Palestine Liberation Organization
(PLO) in September 1993 established the Palestinian National Authority
(PNA) as a self-governing interim administration in the Palestinian territories
. Israel maintains de facto military control in large parts of the territories even in areas officially under the government of the PNA.
states have formally recognised
the State of Palestine. Israel and many other countries do not recognise the existence of an independent Palestinian state, and believe that the establishment of this state can only be determined through direct negotiations between Israel and the PNA. The main issues currently obstructing an agreement are mutual recognition, borders
, security, water rights, the status of Jerusalem
and freedom of access to religious sites, ongoing Israeli settlement
expansion, and legalities concerning Palestinian refugee
s including the right of return
.
, national independence
and sovereignty
in Palestine
. It also recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and accorded it observer status in the United Nations. The designation "Palestine" for the PLO was adopted by the United Nations in 1988 in acknowledgement of the Palestinian declaration of independence, but the proclaimed state still has no formal status within the system
.
Shortly after the 1988 declaration, the State of Palestine was recognised by many developing states
in Africa and Asia, and from communist
and non-aligned
states. At the time, however, the United States
was using its Foreign Assistance Act
and other measures to discourage other countries and international organisations from extending recognition. Although these measures were successful in many cases, the Arab League
and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference
(OIC) immediately published statements of recognition of, support for, and solidarity with Palestine, which was accepted as a member state in both forums.
In February 1989 at the United Nations Security Council, the PLO representative acknowledged that 94 states had recognised the new Palestinian state. It subsequently attempted to gain membership as a state in several agencies connected to the United Nations, but its efforts were thwarted by U.S. threats to withhold funding from any organisation that admitted Palestine. For example, in April of the same year, the PLO applied for membership as a state in the World Health Organization
, an application that failed to produce a result after the U.S. informed the organisation that it would withdraw funding if Palestine were admitted. In May, a group of OIC members submitted to UNESCO
an application for membership on behalf of Palestine, and listed a total of 91 states that had recognised the State of Palestine.
In June, the PLO submitted to the government of Switzerland
letters of accession to the Geneva Conventions
of 1949. However, Switzerland, as the depositary state, determined that because the question of Palestinian statehood had not been settled within the international community, it was therefore incapable of determining whether the letter constituted a valid instrument of accession.
Consequently, in November, the Arab League proposed a General Assembly resolution to formally recognise the PLO as the government of an independent Palestinian state. The draft, however, was abandoned when the U.S. again threatened to cut off its financing for the United Nations should the vote go ahead. The Arab states agreed not to press the resolution, but demanded that the U.S. promise not to threaten the United Nations with financial sanctions again.
Many of the early statements of recognition of the State of Palestine were termed ambiguously. In addition, hesitation from others did not necessarily mean that these nations did not regard Palestine as a state. This has seemingly resulted in confusion regarding the number of states that have officially recognised the state declared in 1988. Numbers reported in the past are often widely conflicting and largely excessive, with figures as high as 130 being seen frequently. In July 2011, in an interview with Haaretz
, Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour
claimed that 122 states had so far extended formal recognition. At the end of the month, the PLO published a paper on why the world's governments should recognise the State of Palestine and listed the 122 countries that had already done so. By the end of September the same year, Mansour claimed the figure had reached 139.
as its capital. The efforts, which begun in late 2009, gained widespread attention in September 2011, when President Mahmoud Abbas
submitted an application to the United Nations to accept Palestine as a member state. This would constitute collective recognition of the State of Palestine, which would allow its government to pursue legal claims against other states in international court
s.
In order for a state to gain membership in the General Assembly, its application must have the support of two-thirds of member states with a prior recommendation for admission from the Security Council
. This requires the absence of a veto
from any the Security Council's five permanent members. At the prospect of a veto from the United States, Palestinian leaders signalled they might opt instead for a more limited upgrade to "non-member state" status, which requires a only simple majority
in the General Assembly but provides the Palestinians with the recognition they desire.
The campaign, dubbed Palestine 194, was formally backed by the Arab League in May, and was officially confirmed by the PLO on 26 June. The decision has been labelled by the Israeli government as a unilateral step, while the Palestinian government has countered that it is essential to overcoming the current impasse. Several other countries, such as Germany
and Canada
, have also denounced the decision and called for a prompt return to negotiations. Many others, however, such as Norway
and Russia
, have endorsed the plan, as has Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
, who stated, "UN members are entitled whether to vote for or against the Palestinian statehood recognition at the UN."
Diplomatic efforts to gain support for the bid gained momentum following a succession of endorsements from South America in early 2011. High-level delegations led by Yasser Abed Rabbo, Riyad al-Maliki
, Saeb Erekat
, Nabil Shaath
and Riyad Mansour
paid visits to many states. Palestinian ambassadors, assisted by those of other Arab states, were charged with enlisting the support of the governments to which they were accredited. During the lead-up to the vote, Russia
, Spain
and the People's Republic of China
publicly pledged their support for the Palestinian bid, as have inter-governmental organisations such as the African Union
, and the Non-Aligned Movement
.
Israeli has taken steps to counter the initiative, and Germany, Italy
, Canada and the U.S. have announced publicly they would vote against the resolution. Israeli and U.S. diplomats began a campaign pressuring many countries to oppose or abstain from the vote. However, because of the "automatic majority" enjoyed by the Palestinians in the General Assembly, the Netanyahu
administration has stated that it does not expect to prevent a resolution from passing should it go ahead. In August, Haaretz quoted the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Ron Prosor
, as stating that Israel would be unable to block a resolution at the General Assembly by September. "The maximum that we can hope to gain is for a group of states who will abstain or be absent during the vote," wrote Prosor. "Only a few countries will vote against the Palestinian initiative."
Instead, the Israeli government has focused on obtaining a "moral majority" of major democratic powers, in an attempt to diminish the weight of the vote. Considerable weight has been placed on the position of the European Union
, which has not yet been announced. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has stated that it is likely to depend on the wording of the resolution. At the end of August, Israel's defence minister Ehud Barak
told Ashton that Israel was seeking to influence the wording: "It is very important that all the players come up with a text that will emphasise the quick return to negotiations, without an effort to impose pre-conditions on the sides."
Efforts from both Israel and the U.S. have also focused on pressuring the Palestinian leadership to abandon its plans and return to negotiations. In the U.S., Congress
passed a bill denouncing the initiative and calling on the Obama administration to veto any resolution that would recognise a Palestinian state declared outside of an agreement negotiated by the two parties. A similar bill was passed in the Senate
, which also threatened a withdrawal of aid to the West Bank. In late August, another congressional bill was introduced which proposes to block U.S. government funding for any United Nations entity that supports giving Palestine an elevated status. Several top U.S. officials, including ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and consul-general in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein, made similar threats. In the same month, it was reported that the Israeli Ministry of Finance was withholding its monthly payments to the PNA. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that if the Palestinians took unilateral actions at the United Nations, they would be in violation of the Oslo Accords, and Israel would no longer consider itself bound by them. He also recommended cutting all ties with the PNA.
On 11 July 2011, the Quartet
met to discuss a return to negotiations, but the meeting produced no result. President
Mahmoud Abbas
has claimed that he would suspend the bid and return to negotiations if the Israelis agree to the 1967 borders and cease its expansion of settlements
in the West Bank.
The PNA's campaign has seen an increasing level of support in grass-roots activism. Avaaz
began an online petition urging all United Nations members to endorse the bid to admit Palestine; it reportedly attained 500,000 e-signatures in its first four days. OneVoice Palestine
launched a domestic campaign in partnership with local news agencies, with the aim of getting the involvement and support of Palestinian citizens. Overseas, campaigns were launched in several nations, calling on their governments to vote "yes" in the resolution. On 7 September, a group of Palestinian activists under the banner "Palestine: State No. 194" staged a demonstration outside the United Nations' office in Ramallah
. During the demonstration they submitted to the office a letter addressed to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, urging him to "exert all possible efforts toward the achievement of the Palestinian people's just demands". The following day, Ban told reporters: "I support ... the statehood of Palestinians; an independent, sovereign state of Palestine. It has been long overdue," but that "recognition of a state is something to be determined by the member states."
Other United Nations organs have previously expressed readiness to see a Palestinian state. In April 2011, the UN's co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process issued a report on the Palestinian Authority's state-building progress, describing "aspects of its administration as sufficient for an independent state". It echoed a similar assessment published the week prior by the International Monetary Fund
. The World Bank
released a report in September 2010 that found the Palestinian Authority "well-positioned to establish a state" at any point in the near future. The report highlighted, however, that unless private-sector growth
in the Palestinian economy was stimulated, a Palestinian state would remain donor dependent
.
In December 2001, Ariel Sharon was the first Israeli Prime Minister to proclaim that a Palestinian state was the solution to the conflict and the goal of his administration. The government headed by Ehud Olmert repeated the same objective. Following the inauguration of the present Netanyahu government in 2009, the government again claimed that a Palestinian state posed a danger for Israel. The government position changed, however, following pressure from the Obama administration, and on 14 June 2009, Netanyahu for the first time made a speech in which he supported the notion of a demilitarised and territorially reduced Palestinian state. This position met some criticism for its lack of commitment on the territories to be ceded to the Palestinian state in the future.
The Israeli government has accepted in general the idea that a Palestinian state is to be established, but has refused to accept the 1967 border either as compulsory or as a basis for final border negotiations. It also opposes the Palestinian plan of approaching the UN General Assembly on the matter of statehood.
Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, . Their total population is over 5.5 billion people, equalling 80 percent of the world's population. The list below is based on the list maintained by the Palestine Liberation Organization during the campaign for United Nations recognition in 2011.
It should also be noted that some states, marked with an asterisk (*) below, expressly recognised the State of Palestine on the borders of 4 June 1967 (i.e., the West Bank
, Gaza
and East Jerusalem
), which constituted Arab territory prior to the Six Day War.
Non-UN member states
} || According to Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki
, stated, the Macedonian position will be built in accordance with the views of the European Union and its strategic partners. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 37 ||
Marshall Islands || The Marshallese government has not published an official position regarding the Palestinian state. Under the terms of its agreements
with the United States, it has limited independence in its foreign policy, and hence mostly votes with Israel and the U.S. in United Nations resolutions, along with Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 38 ||
Mexico || Mexico maintains a policy of supporting a two-state solution. Palestinian and Israeli officials expected Mexico to follow South American countries in recognising the State of Palestine in early 2011. Its position on the matter is seen as influential in Latin America, and therefore critical to both proponents and opponents. Opposition parties have urged the government to recognise a Palestinian state as part of the September initiative, putting down its hesitance to U.S. pressure. || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 39 || || The FSM is a consistent supporter of Israel, especially in international resolutions, though this is due in part to its association with the United States. During the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum
in September 2011, the leader of the Micronesian delegation reportedly stated his country's solidarity with the Palestinian people's suffering and support for their right to self-determination. Regarding the PNA's endeavour to gain admission to the United Nations, however, the official stated that the agreements
signed with the U.S. prevented the FSM from voting according to its government's wishes in cases where they conflicted with those of the U.S. In reference to Israel's continued development assistance to Micronesians, another diplomat noted, "We need Israeli expertise, so I don't see a change in our policy anytime soon." || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 40 ||
Moldova || Moldova maintains a policy of neutrality in international affairs. It has expressed full support for the Quartet principles
for the settlement of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which call for an independent Palestinian state. || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 41 ||
Monaco || The Monégasque government has not published an official position on Palestinian statehood. As required by its agreements with France, Monaco's foreign policy is developed in conformity with French interests. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 42 ||
Myanmar || Myanmar is one of only three members of the Non-Aligned Movement
that has not recognised the State of Palestine, alongside Thailand and Singapore. Former foreign affairs minister Win Aung
stated in 2000 that Myanmar supports a two-state solution within internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 43 ||
Nauru || During the Pacific Islands Forum
in early September 2011, Foreign Affairs Minister Kieren Keke
confirmed his nation's solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. The PNA's foreign ministry published a statement prior to the summit claiming that most Pacific island nations will vote against the United Nations resolution regarding the Palestinian state. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 44 ||
Netherlands || In June 2011, Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal
stated that the request to admit Palestine at the United Nations "will not be supported by the Netherlands". He called instead for a resumption of negotiations: "We will continue to stress for a restart to direct negotiations." He insisted that a peace deal must be based "on an agreement between all parties", and that the Netherlands was "totally opposed to any unilateral steps whatsoever". Abbas highlighted the importance of the Dutch role in the peace process, precisely because it maintained close ties with Israel: "It doesn't disturb us at all. They play a very important role and the Palestinian people are very appreciative of their help." || align="center" | Yes || EU
|-
| 45 ||
New Zealand || New Zealand support a two-state solution to the peace process. It also maintains a policy of not expressing explicit recognition of new states, preferring to imply recognition through actions rather than formal declarations. For Palestine, this would mean upgrading its accredited delegation to a diplomatic status. In early September, Foreign Minister Murray McCully
said that the government would not make a decision until the wording of the resolution was released. "We've got a reputation for being fair minded and even handed on this matter and all we can do is wait to see the words. He also told Riyad al-Malki that he had refused to give any pledges Israel to oppose to vote. || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 46 ||
Norway || Norway upgraded the Palestinian mission in Oslo
to an embassy in December 2010, and Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
called for the creation of a Palestinian state within the following year. In January 2011, Støre stated that, should negotiations with Israel fail to make progress by September, his country would recognise Palestine within the United Nations framework. Following a meeting with Abbas in July 2011, Støre claimed that it was "perfectly legitimate" for the Palestinians to seek a vote on recognition of statehood. "The fundamental Norwegian view is that a people have the right to use UN institutions to clarify questions about the legitimacy of their status in the world. We are opposed to denying this to the Palestinians". The minister withheld full commitment until the request was officially announced, after which, on 18 September, he confirmed that Norway would lend its support: "Norway will support this and is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state." || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 47 ||
Palau || At the Pacific Islands Forum
summit in early September 2011, the leader of the country's delegation expressed understanding for the suffering of the Palestinians and his desire to see a Palestinian state. He stressed, however, the importance of his country's relations
with the U.S. and that his government would not interfere with its vital interests. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 48 ||
Panama || Panama has not indicated its position regarding the upcoming vote on statehood, and is reported to be undecided on the matter. President Ricardo Martinelli
has a record of supporting Israel in UN resolutions, and has reportedly resisted pressure from other Latin American governments to recognise Palestine. The Central American Integration System
(SICA) was expected to adopt a joint position on the issue at its summit on 18 August, but Panama insisted that discussion should retain a regional focus and the matter was not included on the final agenda. In early September, Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez said that the government's decision would not be made public until its vote is cast, but added, "It is very important that the birth of this country and its recognition in the international forum is previously accompanied by a full peace agreement with its neighbour, Israel." || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 49 ||
Portugal || In February 2011, several parliamentary factions proposed resolutions calling on the government to recognise the State of Palestine. However, these were dismissed by the two majority parties, which insisted on a prior settlement acceptable to both Palestinians and Israelis. Foreign Minister Paulo Portas
stated that Portugal supports the initiative to recognise Palestine, but that it must not forget the security of Israel: "We will do everything for Palestine, which deserves to have its state, and do nothing against Israel, which deserves to have its security." || align="center" | Yes || EU, UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012)
|-
| 50 ||
Saint Kitts and Nevis || Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Caribbean Community
, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy between its member states. In May 2011, the organisation's Foreign Council jointly reiterated its support for a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. The council was chaired by Kittian Foreign Minister Sam Condor
. Earlier in April, Condor had accepted assistance from Israel in developing the country's intelligence and security sectors. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 51 ||
Saint Lucia || Saint Lucia and its President Stephenson King
have a steady history of co-operation with Israel. It is a member of the Caribbean Community, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 52 ||
Samoa || Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi
has expressed support for a two-state solution to the conflict. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 53 ||
San Marino || San Marino's foreign activities are limited, and it does not maintain formal ties with the Palestinians. The government reportedly received intense pressure from Israel to vote no on the Palestinian resolution. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 54 ||
Singapore || Singapore has not yet recognised the State of Palestine and has not announced a position regarding the upcoming vote. The island state has a strong relationship with Israel. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 55 ||
Slovenia || In a letter addressed to Ban Ki-moon
dated April 2011, President Danilo Türk
claimed that "the moment to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, on the basis of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, living alongside each other peacefully, is now". In June, Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar
stated that his government was ready to "start making [the] first steps towards recognising Palestine", but stressed that the issue of recognition as a state has to be separated from its membership in the UN. He also noted that "Slovenia is not waiting for a joint position of the EU, because there will not be one." || align="center" | Yes || EU
|-
| 56 ||
Solomon Islands || Foreign Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka
met Riyad al-Malki in early September at the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum
in Wellington. Agovaka reportedly confirmed his government's support for the self-determination of Palestinians and for the efforts of Palestine at the United Nations. He said that the possibility of recognising the State of Palestine would be considered in the next meeting of cabinet. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 57 || || The Palestinian government officially recognised the newly independent South Sudan on 14 July 2011. Subsequently, on 5 August, South Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor Kuol
officially announced his government's intention to recognise Palestine, stating, "We will recognise any state that recognises us". This had been implied before, as Vice President Riek Machar
had announced his government's intention to establish relations "with all the Arab and Muslim countries" and recognised "the right to have a Palestinian state". At the end of August, however, Koul reportedly announced that he would support Israel in the September resolution. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 58 ||
Spain || On 1 July 2011, the Spanish parliament passed a resolution urging its government to recognise the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders. Prior to this, Nabil Shaath had claimed in May that Spain intented to recognise the Palestinian state before September. In late July, Foreign Minister Trinidad Jiménez
said that Spain supports the bid, but that it would not determine its position until the proposal is made official. In an interview with El País in August, Jiménez confirmed Spain's support: "We are working with the idea that there is a majority in the EU that will support moving forward with the recognition of Palestine," she added, "There is a feeling that now is the moment to act, to give the Palestinians some hope that their state will become a reality." || align="center" | Yes || EU
|-
| 59 ||
Sweden || Sweden is widely considered to be among the most pro-Palestinian states in the EU. The union's 2009 declarations, which call for a two-state solution and refute any unilateral changes to the pre-1967 borders, were drafted and pushed through by Sweden. However, the government has maintained that a Palestinian state cannot be recognised until the Palestinians gain control over their own territory. According to Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt
, "That is international law's most basic requirement to recognise a state." Foreign Minister Carl Bildt
has said the most fundamental definition of a state is that it controls its own territory, and that Palestinians won't control their own territory unless there is a settlement with Israel. "I would hope that we would be in a position to recognise a Palestinian state but there has to be one first". "A state has to be founded on an end of occupation, and an end of occupation is based upon an agreement with Israel". Sweden upgraded its Palestinian delegation in Stockholm in early September. || align="center" | Yes || EU
|-
| 60 ||
Switzerland || Switzerland was expected to adopt an official position at the end of August 2011, based on the recommendations of the foreign affairs parliamentary committee. On 16 August, the Senate committee advised that Switzerland should not take a position, in line with the country's policy of neutrality. Members of parliament, which has not yet discussed the matter, are divided. || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 61 ||
Thailand || In December 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya
met with the Palestinian delegation at the OIC and reportedly promised to throw Thai support behind the Palestinian struggle. Hesitance to publicly commit to this, however, is seen as an example of the military's influence in government, given the consistently strong ties between the Thai and Israeli security sectors. In August, Nabil Shaath reported that the new Thai government under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
would support the PNA's endeavours at the United Nations in September. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 62 ||
Tonga || In September 2011, following the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in Wellington, the PNA's foreign ministry noted that it had made significant strides in its efforts to attain recognition from Tonga. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 63 ||
Trinidad and Tobago || Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 64 ||
United Kingdom || In September 2011, Britain said it would recognise Palestine as a state, but only with non-member observer status, rather than full membership, at the United Nations.|| align="center" | Yes || EU, UNSC (permanent); Palestine – United Kingdom relations
|-
| 65 ||
United States || President Barack Obama
declared U.S. opposition to the bid in his speech to the General Assembly, saying that "genuine peace can only be realised between Israelis and Palestinians themselves" and that "[u]ltimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians - not us - who must reach an agreement on the issues that divide them". Obama has told Abbas that the U.S. would veto any United Nations Security Council move to recognise Palestinian statehood. || align="center" | Yes || UNSC (permanent); Palestine – United States relations
|}
Non-UN member states
Notes
State of Palestine
Palestine , officially declared as the State of Palestine , is a state that was proclaimed in exile in Algiers on 15 November 1988, when the Palestine Liberation Organization's National Council adopted the unilateral Palestinian Declaration of Independence...
was proclaimed
Palestinian Declaration of Independence
The Palestinian Declaration of Independence is a statement written by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and proclaimed by Yasser Arafat on 15 November 1988. It had previously been adopted by the Palestinian National Council, the legislative body of the Palestine Liberation Organization , by a vote...
on 15 November 1988 in Algiers
Algiers
' is the capital and largest city of Algeria. According to the 1998 census, the population of the city proper was 1,519,570 and that of the urban agglomeration was 2,135,630. In 2009, the population was about 3,500,000...
at an extraordinary session in exile of the Palestine National Council. Legal justification for this act was based on United Nations General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
Resolution 181 (II) of 29 November 1947, which provided for the termination and partition of the British Mandate into two states
Two-state solution
The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the consensus solution that is currently under discussion by the key parties to the conflict, most recently at the Annapolis Conference in November 2007...
.
The declaration was promptly acknowledged by a range of countries, and by the end of the year the proclaimed state was recognised by over 80 nations. In February 1989 at the United Nations Security Council, the PLO representative publicly acknowledged recognition from 94 states. As part of an attempt to resolve the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Israeli–Palestinian conflict
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict is wide-ranging, and the term is also used in reference to the earlier phases of the same conflict, between Jewish and Zionist yishuv and the Arab population living in Palestine under Ottoman or...
, the Oslo Accords
Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords, officially called the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements or Declaration of Principles , was an attempt to resolve the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict...
signed between Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
and the Palestine Liberation Organization
Palestine Liberation Organization
The Palestine Liberation Organization is a political and paramilitary organization which was created in 1964. It is recognized as the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" by the United Nations and over 100 states with which it holds diplomatic relations, and has enjoyed...
(PLO) in September 1993 established the Palestinian National Authority
Palestinian National Authority
The Palestinian Authority is the administrative organization established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip...
(PNA) as a self-governing interim administration in the Palestinian territories
Palestinian territories
The Palestinian territories comprise the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in 1988, the region is today recognized by three-quarters of the world's countries as the State of Palestine or simply Palestine, although this status is not recognized by the...
. Israel maintains de facto military control in large parts of the territories even in areas officially under the government of the PNA.
states have formally recognised
Diplomatic recognition
Diplomatic recognition in international law is a unilateral political act with domestic and international legal consequences, whereby a state acknowledges an act or status of another state or government in control of a state...
the State of Palestine. Israel and many other countries do not recognise the existence of an independent Palestinian state, and believe that the establishment of this state can only be determined through direct negotiations between Israel and the PNA. The main issues currently obstructing an agreement are mutual recognition, borders
Proposals for a Palestinian state
Proposals for a Palestinian state currently refers to the proposed establishment of an independent state for the Palestinian people in Palestine on land that was occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War of 1967 and before by Egypt and by Jordan since 1949...
, security, water rights, the status of Jerusalem
Positions on Jerusalem
There are differing legal and diplomatic positions on Jerusalem held within the international community. Governments and scholars alike are divided over the legal status of Jerusalem under international law. Most countries of the world do not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Many do not...
and freedom of access to religious sites, ongoing Israeli settlement
Israeli settlement
An Israeli settlement is a Jewish civilian community built on land that was captured by Israel from Jordan, Egypt, and Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and is considered occupied territory by the international community. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank...
expansion, and legalities concerning Palestinian refugee
Palestinian refugee
Palestinian refugees or Palestine refugees are the people and their descendants, predominantly Palestinian Arabic-speakers, who fled or were expelled from their homes during and after the 1948 Palestine War, within that part of the British Mandate of Palestine, that after that war became the...
s including the right of return
Palestinian right of return
The Palestinian right of return is a political position or principle asserting that Palestinian refugees, both first-generation refugees and their descendants, have a right to return, and a right to the property they or their forebears left or which they were forced to leave in what is now Israel...
.
Background
On 22 November 1974, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3236 recognised the right of the Palestinian people to self-determinationSelf-determination
Self-determination is the principle in international law that nations have the right to freely choose their sovereignty and international political status with no external compulsion or external interference...
, national independence
Independence
Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory....
and sovereignty
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
in Palestine
Palestine
Palestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
. It also recognised the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and accorded it observer status in the United Nations. The designation "Palestine" for the PLO was adopted by the United Nations in 1988 in acknowledgement of the Palestinian declaration of independence, but the proclaimed state still has no formal status within the system
United Nations System
The United Nations system consists of the United Nations, its subsidiary organs , the specialized agencies, and affiliated organizations...
.
Shortly after the 1988 declaration, the State of Palestine was recognised by many developing states
Developing country
A developing country, also known as a less-developed country, is a nation with a low level of material well-being. Since no single definition of the term developing country is recognized internationally, the levels of development may vary widely within so-called developing countries...
in Africa and Asia, and from communist
Communist state
A communist state is a state with a form of government characterized by single-party rule or dominant-party rule of a communist party and a professed allegiance to a Leninist or Marxist-Leninist communist ideology as the guiding principle of the state...
and non-aligned
Non-Aligned Movement
The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states considering themselves not aligned formally with or against any major power bloc. As of 2011, the movement had 120 members and 17 observer countries...
states. At the time, however, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
was using its Foreign Assistance Act
Foreign Assistance Act
The Foreign Assistance Act is a United States Act of Congress. The Act reorganized the structure of existing U.S. foreign assistance programs, separated military from non-military aid, and created a new agency, the United States Agency for International Development to administer those...
and other measures to discourage other countries and international organisations from extending recognition. Although these measures were successful in many cases, the Arab League
Arab League
The Arab League , officially called the League of Arab States , is a regional organisation of Arab states in North and Northeast Africa, and Southwest Asia . It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan , Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a...
and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference
Organisation of the Islamic Conference
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Upon the groups's renaming, some sources provided the English-language translation "Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation", but and have since indicated the preferred English translation omits the "the". is an international organisation consisting of 57...
(OIC) immediately published statements of recognition of, support for, and solidarity with Palestine, which was accepted as a member state in both forums.
In February 1989 at the United Nations Security Council, the PLO representative acknowledged that 94 states had recognised the new Palestinian state. It subsequently attempted to gain membership as a state in several agencies connected to the United Nations, but its efforts were thwarted by U.S. threats to withhold funding from any organisation that admitted Palestine. For example, in April of the same year, the PLO applied for membership as a state in the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
, an application that failed to produce a result after the U.S. informed the organisation that it would withdraw funding if Palestine were admitted. In May, a group of OIC members submitted to UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
an application for membership on behalf of Palestine, and listed a total of 91 states that had recognised the State of Palestine.
In June, the PLO submitted to the government of Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
letters of accession to the Geneva Conventions
Geneva Conventions
The Geneva Conventions comprise four treaties, and three additional protocols, that establish the standards of international law for the humanitarian treatment of the victims of war...
of 1949. However, Switzerland, as the depositary state, determined that because the question of Palestinian statehood had not been settled within the international community, it was therefore incapable of determining whether the letter constituted a valid instrument of accession.
Due to the incertainty [sic] within the international community as to the existence or the non-existence of a State of Palestine and as long as the issue has not been settled in an appropriate framework, the Swiss Government, in its capacity as depositary of the Geneva Conventions and their additional Protocols, is not in a position to decide whether this communication can be considered as an instrument of accession in the sense of the relevant provisions of the Conventions and their additional Protocols.
Consequently, in November, the Arab League proposed a General Assembly resolution to formally recognise the PLO as the government of an independent Palestinian state. The draft, however, was abandoned when the U.S. again threatened to cut off its financing for the United Nations should the vote go ahead. The Arab states agreed not to press the resolution, but demanded that the U.S. promise not to threaten the United Nations with financial sanctions again.
Many of the early statements of recognition of the State of Palestine were termed ambiguously. In addition, hesitation from others did not necessarily mean that these nations did not regard Palestine as a state. This has seemingly resulted in confusion regarding the number of states that have officially recognised the state declared in 1988. Numbers reported in the past are often widely conflicting and largely excessive, with figures as high as 130 being seen frequently. In July 2011, in an interview with Haaretz
Haaretz
Haaretz is Israel's oldest daily newspaper. It was founded in 1918 and is now published in both Hebrew and English in Berliner format. The English edition is published and sold together with the International Herald Tribune. Both Hebrew and English editions can be read on the Internet...
, Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour
Riyad H. Mansour
Riyad H. Mansour is a Palestinian-American diplomat and since 2005 has been the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations.Mansour was educated at the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. He was the Deputy Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations from 1983 to...
claimed that 122 states had so far extended formal recognition. At the end of the month, the PLO published a paper on why the world's governments should recognise the State of Palestine and listed the 122 countries that had already done so. By the end of September the same year, Mansour claimed the figure had reached 139.
Recent events
After a two-year impasse in negotiations with Israel, the Palestinian Authority began an ambitious diplomatic campaign to gain recognition for the State of Palestine on the borders prior to the Six Day War, with East JerusalemEast Jerusalem
East Jerusalem or Eastern Jerusalem refer to the parts of Jerusalem captured and annexed by Jordan in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and then captured and annexed by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War...
as its capital. The efforts, which begun in late 2009, gained widespread attention in September 2011, when President Mahmoud Abbas
Mahmoud Abbas
Mahmoud Abbas , also known by the kunya Abu Mazen , has been the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation since 11 November 2004 and became President of the Palestinian National Authority on 15 January 2005 on the Fatah ticket.Elected to serve until 9 January 2009, he unilaterally...
submitted an application to the United Nations to accept Palestine as a member state. This would constitute collective recognition of the State of Palestine, which would allow its government to pursue legal claims against other states in international court
International court
International courts are formed by treaties between nations, or under the authority of an international organization such as the United Nations — this includes ad hoc tribunals and permanent institutions, but excludes any courts arising purely under national authority.Early examples of...
s.
In order for a state to gain membership in the General Assembly, its application must have the support of two-thirds of member states with a prior recommendation for admission from the Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
. This requires the absence of a veto
United Nations Security Council veto power
The United Nations Security Council "power of veto" refers to the veto power wielded solely by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council , enabling them to prevent the adoption of any "substantive" draft Council resolution, regardless of the level of international support...
from any the Security Council's five permanent members. At the prospect of a veto from the United States, Palestinian leaders signalled they might opt instead for a more limited upgrade to "non-member state" status, which requires a only simple majority
Majority
A majority is a subset of a group consisting of more than half of its members. This can be compared to a plurality, which is a subset larger than any other subset; i.e. a plurality is not necessarily a majority as the largest subset may consist of less than half the group's population...
in the General Assembly but provides the Palestinians with the recognition they desire.
The campaign, dubbed Palestine 194, was formally backed by the Arab League in May, and was officially confirmed by the PLO on 26 June. The decision has been labelled by the Israeli government as a unilateral step, while the Palestinian government has countered that it is essential to overcoming the current impasse. Several other countries, such as Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, have also denounced the decision and called for a prompt return to negotiations. Many others, however, such as Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, have endorsed the plan, as has Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
, who stated, "UN members are entitled whether to vote for or against the Palestinian statehood recognition at the UN."
Diplomatic efforts to gain support for the bid gained momentum following a succession of endorsements from South America in early 2011. High-level delegations led by Yasser Abed Rabbo, Riyad al-Maliki
Riyad al-Maliki
Riyad Al-Maliki is former Minister of Information, Government Spokesperson, and Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian National Authority in its 12th Government, and resumed office as Foreign Affairs Minister in the current 13th Government....
, Saeb Erekat
Saeb Erekat
Saeb Muhammad Salih Erekat Saeb Muhammad Salih Erekat Saeb Muhammad Salih Erekat (also Erakat; Ṣāʼib ʻUrayqāt or ʻRēqāt, born April 28, 1955 in Jordanian controlled East Jerusalem was the Palestinian chief of the PLO Steering and Monitoring Committee until 12 February 2011...
, Nabil Shaath
Nabil Shaath
Nabil Shaath is a senior Palestinian official who has held the following titles:*Palestinian chief negotiator*Palestinian cabinet minister*Palestinian International Co-operation Minister*Planning Minister for the Palestinian National Authority...
and Riyad Mansour
Riyad H. Mansour
Riyad H. Mansour is a Palestinian-American diplomat and since 2005 has been the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations.Mansour was educated at the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. He was the Deputy Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations from 1983 to...
paid visits to many states. Palestinian ambassadors, assisted by those of other Arab states, were charged with enlisting the support of the governments to which they were accredited. During the lead-up to the vote, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
publicly pledged their support for the Palestinian bid, as have inter-governmental organisations such as the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
, and the Non-Aligned Movement
Non-Aligned Movement
The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states considering themselves not aligned formally with or against any major power bloc. As of 2011, the movement had 120 members and 17 observer countries...
.
Israeli has taken steps to counter the initiative, and Germany, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Canada and the U.S. have announced publicly they would vote against the resolution. Israeli and U.S. diplomats began a campaign pressuring many countries to oppose or abstain from the vote. However, because of the "automatic majority" enjoyed by the Palestinians in the General Assembly, the Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel. He serves also as the Chairman of the Likud Party, as a Knesset member, as the Health Minister of Israel, as the Pensioner Affairs Minister of Israel and as the Economic Strategy Minister of Israel.Netanyahu is the first and, to...
administration has stated that it does not expect to prevent a resolution from passing should it go ahead. In August, Haaretz quoted the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Ron Prosor
Ron Prosor
Ron Prosor is an Israeli diplomat and commentator on the Middle East. He served as Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 2007-2011. In February 2011, Prosor was appointed Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations.-Biography:...
, as stating that Israel would be unable to block a resolution at the General Assembly by September. "The maximum that we can hope to gain is for a group of states who will abstain or be absent during the vote," wrote Prosor. "Only a few countries will vote against the Palestinian initiative."
Instead, the Israeli government has focused on obtaining a "moral majority" of major democratic powers, in an attempt to diminish the weight of the vote. Considerable weight has been placed on the position of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
, which has not yet been announced. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has stated that it is likely to depend on the wording of the resolution. At the end of August, Israel's defence minister Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government....
told Ashton that Israel was seeking to influence the wording: "It is very important that all the players come up with a text that will emphasise the quick return to negotiations, without an effort to impose pre-conditions on the sides."
Efforts from both Israel and the U.S. have also focused on pressuring the Palestinian leadership to abandon its plans and return to negotiations. In the U.S., Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
passed a bill denouncing the initiative and calling on the Obama administration to veto any resolution that would recognise a Palestinian state declared outside of an agreement negotiated by the two parties. A similar bill was passed in the Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, which also threatened a withdrawal of aid to the West Bank. In late August, another congressional bill was introduced which proposes to block U.S. government funding for any United Nations entity that supports giving Palestine an elevated status. Several top U.S. officials, including ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and consul-general in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein, made similar threats. In the same month, it was reported that the Israeli Ministry of Finance was withholding its monthly payments to the PNA. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that if the Palestinians took unilateral actions at the United Nations, they would be in violation of the Oslo Accords, and Israel would no longer consider itself bound by them. He also recommended cutting all ties with the PNA.
On 11 July 2011, the Quartet
Quartet on the Middle East
The Quartet on the Middle East, sometimes called the Diplomatic Quartet or Madrid Quartet or simply the Quartet, is a foursome of nations and international and supranational entities involved in mediating the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Quartet are the United Nations, the...
met to discuss a return to negotiations, but the meeting produced no result. President
President of the Palestinian National Authority
The President of the Palestinian National Authority is the highest-ranking political position in the Palestinian National Authority ....
Mahmoud Abbas
Mahmoud Abbas
Mahmoud Abbas , also known by the kunya Abu Mazen , has been the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation since 11 November 2004 and became President of the Palestinian National Authority on 15 January 2005 on the Fatah ticket.Elected to serve until 9 January 2009, he unilaterally...
has claimed that he would suspend the bid and return to negotiations if the Israelis agree to the 1967 borders and cease its expansion of settlements
Israeli settlement
An Israeli settlement is a Jewish civilian community built on land that was captured by Israel from Jordan, Egypt, and Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and is considered occupied territory by the international community. Such settlements currently exist in the West Bank...
in the West Bank.
The PNA's campaign has seen an increasing level of support in grass-roots activism. Avaaz
Avaaz.org
Avaaz.org is a global civic organization launched in January 2007 that promotes activism on issues such as climate change, human rights, corruption, poverty, and conflict...
began an online petition urging all United Nations members to endorse the bid to admit Palestine; it reportedly attained 500,000 e-signatures in its first four days. OneVoice Palestine
OneVoice Movement
OneVoice is a non profit organization and citizen activism movement working in Israel and the Palestinian territories to achieve a two-state solution through non-violent means...
launched a domestic campaign in partnership with local news agencies, with the aim of getting the involvement and support of Palestinian citizens. Overseas, campaigns were launched in several nations, calling on their governments to vote "yes" in the resolution. On 7 September, a group of Palestinian activists under the banner "Palestine: State No. 194" staged a demonstration outside the United Nations' office in Ramallah
Ramallah
Ramallah is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank located 10 kilometers north of Jerusalem, adjacent to al-Bireh. It currently serves as the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian National Authority...
. During the demonstration they submitted to the office a letter addressed to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, urging him to "exert all possible efforts toward the achievement of the Palestinian people's just demands". The following day, Ban told reporters: "I support ... the statehood of Palestinians; an independent, sovereign state of Palestine. It has been long overdue," but that "recognition of a state is something to be determined by the member states."
Other United Nations organs have previously expressed readiness to see a Palestinian state. In April 2011, the UN's co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process issued a report on the Palestinian Authority's state-building progress, describing "aspects of its administration as sufficient for an independent state". It echoed a similar assessment published the week prior by the International Monetary Fund
International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
. The World Bank
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
released a report in September 2010 that found the Palestinian Authority "well-positioned to establish a state" at any point in the near future. The report highlighted, however, that unless private-sector growth
Private sector development
Private Sector Development is a strategy for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries by building private enterprises, membership organizations representing them, and competitive markets that are stronger and more inclusive....
in the Palestinian economy was stimulated, a Palestinian state would remain donor dependent
International aid to Palestinians
International aid has played a major role in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as it has been used as a means to keep the peace process going. Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip receive one of the highest levels of aid in the world...
.
Israeli position
Between the end of the Six Day War and the Oslo Accord, no Israeli government proposed a Palestinian state. Even after the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, most Israeli mainstream politicians were opposed to the idea. During Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of 1996–1999, he went as far as to accuse the two previous governments of Rabin and Peres of bringing closer to realisation what he claimed to be the "danger" of a Palestinian state, and stated that his main policy goal was to ensure that the Palestinian Authority didn't evolve beyond an autonomy.In December 2001, Ariel Sharon was the first Israeli Prime Minister to proclaim that a Palestinian state was the solution to the conflict and the goal of his administration. The government headed by Ehud Olmert repeated the same objective. Following the inauguration of the present Netanyahu government in 2009, the government again claimed that a Palestinian state posed a danger for Israel. The government position changed, however, following pressure from the Obama administration, and on 14 June 2009, Netanyahu for the first time made a speech in which he supported the notion of a demilitarised and territorially reduced Palestinian state. This position met some criticism for its lack of commitment on the territories to be ceded to the Palestinian state in the future.
The Israeli government has accepted in general the idea that a Palestinian state is to be established, but has refused to accept the 1967 border either as compulsory or as a basis for final border negotiations. It also opposes the Palestinian plan of approaching the UN General Assembly on the matter of statehood.
States that have recognised
UN member statesOf the 193 member states of the United Nations, . Their total population is over 5.5 billion people, equalling 80 percent of the world's population. The list below is based on the list maintained by the Palestine Liberation Organization during the campaign for United Nations recognition in 2011.
It should also be noted that some states, marked with an asterisk (*) below, expressly recognised the State of Palestine on the borders of 4 June 1967 (i.e., the West Bank
West Bank
The West Bank ) of the Jordan River is the landlocked geographical eastern part of the Palestinian territories located in Western Asia. To the west, north, and south, the West Bank shares borders with the state of Israel. To the east, across the Jordan River, lies the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan...
, Gaza
Gaza
Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,...
and East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem or Eastern Jerusalem refer to the parts of Jerusalem captured and annexed by Jordan in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and then captured and annexed by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War...
), which constituted Arab territory prior to the Six Day War.
| = States which do not recognise the State of Israel International recognition of Israel The recognition of Israel in the international community remains an outstanding issue of the Arab–Israeli conflict. Pursuant to the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which provided for the establishment of a Jewish state, Israel declared its independence at midnight on 14 May 1948... |
| # | Name | Date of recognition | Relevant membership, further details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Algeria |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 2 |  Bahrain |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 3 |  Iraq |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 4 |  Kuwait |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 5 |  Libya |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 6 |  Malaysia |
Yes | OIC | |
| 7 |  Mauritania |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 8 |  Morocco |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 9 |  Somalia |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 10 |  Tunisia |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 11 |  Turkey |
Yes | OIC; Palestine–Turkey relations Palestine–Turkey relations Palestine–Turkey relations refers to the current and historical bilateral relationship between Turkey and Palestine.-History:In spite of Turkey's constructive relations with Israel, diplomacy between Turkey and the Palestinian National Authority has been relatively strong and helpful, especially... |
|
| 12 |  Yemen |
Yes | Arab League, OIC |
|
| 13 |  Afghanistan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 14 |  Bangladesh |
Yes | OIC | |
| 15 |  Cuba |
Yes | — | |
| 16 |  Indonesia |
Yes | OIC | |
| 17 |  Jordan |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 18 |  Madagascar |
No | — | |
| 19 |  Malta |
Yes | EU | |
| 20 |  Nicaragua |
Yes | — | |
| 21 |  Pakistan |
Yes | OIC; Pakistan–Palestine relations Pakistan–Palestine relations Relations between Pakistan and Palestine have always been strong, brotherly and politically well-built. Pakistan fully supports the proposal of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Due to Pakistan's pro-Palestinian stance, bilateral relations between Pakistan and Israel have... |
|
| 22 |  Qatar |
Yes | Arab League, OIC, UNGA President President of the United Nations General Assembly The President of the United Nations General Assembly is a position voted for by representatives in the United Nations General Assembly on a yearly basis.- Election :... (Sep 2011–Sep 2012) |
|
| 23 |  Saudi Arabia |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 24 |  United Arab Emirates |
Yes | Arab League, OIC; Palestine – United Arab Emirates relations Palestine – United Arab Emirates relations Palestine – United Arab Emirates relations are the relations between the United Arab Emirates and Palestine. The U.A.E. does not have an embassy in Palestine although Palestine maintains an embassy in Abu Dhabi. Both countries are part of the Middle East region and share close cultural ties... |
|
| 25 |  Serbia |
Yes | —, Palestine–Serbia relations Palestine–Serbia relations Relations between Serbia and the Palestine have been very close and friendly. Even though Serbia had reestablished relations with Israel in 1991, its relations with Palestine still remain good.- Historical Relations :... |
|
| 26 |  Zambia |
Yes | — | |
| 27 |  Albania |
Yes | OIC | |
| 28 |  Brunei |
Yes | OIC | |
| 29 |  Djibouti |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 30 |  Mauritius |
Yes | — | |
| 31 |  Sudan |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 32 |  Cyprus |
* | Yes | EU |
| 33 |  Czech Republic |
Yes | EU |
|
| 34 |  Slovakia |
Yes | EU |
|
| 35 |  Egypt |
Yes | Arab League, OIC; Egypt–Palestine relations Egypt–Palestine relations Egypt–Palestine relations are the bilateral relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Palestinian Authority. Egytian President Gamal Abdel Nasser was a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and he favored self-determination for the Palestinians... |
|
| 36 |  The Gambia |
Yes | OIC | |
| 37 |  India |
Yes | UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012); India–Palestine relations | |
| 38 |  Nigeria |
Yes | OIC, UNSC (Jan 2010–Dec 2011) | |
| 39 |  Russia |
Yes | UNSC (permanent); Palestine–Russia relations Palestine–Russia relations Palestine–Russia relations is the bilateral relationship between Russia and the State of Palestine.The history of Palestine–Russia relations has been long and complex... |
|
| 40 |  Seychelles |
Yes | — | |
| 41 |  Sri Lanka |
Yes | — | |
| 42 |  Belarus |
Yes | — | |
| 43 |  Guinea |
Yes | OIC | |
| 44 |  Namibia |
Yes | — |
|
| 45 |  Ukraine |
Yes | — | |
| 46 |  Vietnam |
Yes | —, Palestine–Vietnam relations Palestine–Vietnam relations Relations between Vietnam and the Palestine have been strong and very friendly. Vietnam had established very close relations between the Palestinian Liberation Organization and was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine.- History :... |
|
| 47 |  People's Republic of China |
Yes | UNSC (permanent); China–Palestine relations | |
| 48 |  Burkina Faso |
Yes | OIC | |
| 49 |  Comoros |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 50 |  Guinea-Bissau |
Yes | OIC | |
| 51 |  Mali |
Yes | OIC | |
| 52 |  Cambodia |
Yes | — |
|
| 53 |  Mongolia |
Yes | — | |
| 54 |  Senegal |
Yes | OIC | |
| 55 |  Hungary |
Yes | EU | |
| 56 |  Cape Verde |
No | — | |
| 57 |  North Korea |
Yes | —, North Korea – Palestine relations North Korea – Palestine relations North Korea–Palestine relations refers to the bilateral relations between both North Korea and Palestine.- Political relations :North Korea's relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization began during the 1970s. Both Kim Il-sung and Yasser Arafat had a very close relationship and North... |
|
| 58 |  Niger |
Yes | OIC | |
| 59 |  Kingdom of Romania |
Yes | EU; Romania–Palestine relations Romania–Palestine relations Relations between Romania and Palestine have been strong since the beginning of the Communist regime in Romania in 1947. Relations between Romania and the PLO were established and strengthened under the regime of Nicolae Ceauşescu, who ruled Romania from 1965 until 1989. In 1974 Romania recognized... |
|
| 60 |  Tanzania |
Yes | — | |
| 61 |  Kingdom of Bulgaria |
Yes | EU | |
| 62 |  Maldives |
Yes | OIC | |
| 63 |  Ghana |
Yes | — | |
| 64 |  Togo |
No | OIC | |
| 65 |  Zimbabwe |
Yes | — | |
| 66 |  Chad |
Yes | OIC | |
| 67 |  Laos |
Yes | — | |
| 68 |  Sierra Leone |
No | OIC | |
| 69 |  Uganda |
Yes | OIC | |
| 70 |  Republic of the Congo |
Yes | — | |
| 71 |  Angola |
Yes | — | |
| 72 |  Mozambique |
Yes | OIC | |
| 73 |  São Tomé and Príncipe |
No | — | |
| 74 |  Democratic Republic of the Congo |
No | — | |
| 75 |  Gabon |
Yes | OIC, UNSC (Jan 2010–Dec 2011) | |
| 76 |  Oman |
Yes | Arab League, OIC | |
| 77 |  Poland |
Yes | EU | |
| 78 |  Botswana |
No | — | |
| 79 |  Nepal |
No | — | |
| 80 |  Burundi |
No | — | |
| 81 |  Central African Republic |
No | — | |
| 82 |  Bhutan |
No | — | |
| 83 |  Rwanda |
No | — | |
| 84 |  Ethiopia |
Yes | — | |
| 85 |  Iran |
Yes | OIC; Iran–Palestine relations | |
| 86 |  Benin |
or before |
Yes | OIC |
| 87 |  Equatorial Guinea |
or before |
No | — |
| 88 |  Kenya |
or before |
Yes | — |
| 89 |  Vanuatu |
Yes | — | |
| 90 |  Philippines |
Yes | — | |
| 91 |  Swaziland |
or before |
Yes | — |
| 92 |  Kazakhstan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 93 |  Azerbaijan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 94 |  Georgia (country) |
Yes | — | |
| 95 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Yes | UNSC (Jan 2010–Dec 2011) | |
| 96 |  Tajikistan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 97 |  Uzbekistan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 98 |  South Africa |
Yes | UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012); Palestine – South Africa relations Palestine – South Africa relations South Africa-Palestine relations refer to the interstate relations between the Republic of South Africa and the State of Palestine.- Bilateral relations :... |
|
| 99 |  Kyrgyzstan |
Yes | OIC | |
| 100 |  East Timor |
Yes | — | |
| 101 |  Papua New Guinea |
Yes | — | |
| 102 |  Turkmenistan |
or before |
No | OIC |
| 103 |  Paraguay |
* | Yes | — |
| 104 |  Kingdom of Montenegro |
Yes | — | |
| 105 |  Costa Rica |
Yes | — | |
| 106 |  Lebanon |
Yes | Arab League, OIC, UNSC (Jan 2010–Dec 2011; will be President President of the United Nations Security Council The President of the United Nations Security Council is the presiding officer of that body. The president is the head of the delegation from the Security Council member state that holds the rotating presidency.-Selection:... of the Council during September) |
|
| 107 |  Côte d'Ivoire |
or before |
Yes | OIC |
| 108 |  Venezuela |
Yes | —, Palestine–Venezuela relations | |
| 109 |  Dominican Republic |
Yes | — | |
| 110 |  Brazil |
* | Yes | UNSC (Jan 2010–Dec 2011); Brazil–Palestine relations Brazil–Palestine relations Brazil–Palestine relations refers to the current and historical bilateral relationship between Brazil and Palestine. Brazil officially recognized the Palestinian state on December 5, 2010.-Palestinian statehood:... |
| 111 |  Argentina |
* | Yes |
— |
| 112 |  Bolivia |
* | No | — |
| 113 |  Ecuador |
* | Yes | — |
| 114 |  Chile |
Yes | — | |
| 115 |  Guyana |
* | Yes | OIC |
| 116 |  Peru |
Yes | — | |
| 117 |  Suriname |
* | No | OIC |
| 118 |  Uruguay |
Yes | — | |
| 119 |  Malawi |
* | Yes | — |
| 120 |  Lesotho |
* | No | — |
| 121 |  Syria |
* | Yes | Arab League, OIC |
| 122 |  Liberia |
|
No | — |
| 123 |  El Salvador |
No | — | |
| 124 |  Honduras |
* | No | — |
| 125 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
No | — | |
| 126 |  Belize |
* | Yes | — |
| 127 |  Antigua and Barbuda |
* | No | — |
Non-UN member states
| # | Name | Date of recognition | Diplomatic relations !! Relevant membership, further details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128 |  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic |
No | — |
States that have not recognised
UN member states| # | Name | | Official position | Relations !! Relevant memberships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Andorra |
In January 2011, Andorra co-sponsored a draft resolution guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. In September, it argued for a proposed resolution to give the State of Palestine observer status in the United Nations. | No | |
| 2 |  Armenia |
On 20 June 2011, Fatah representative Nabil Shaath Nabil Shaath Nabil Shaath is a senior Palestinian official who has held the following titles:*Palestinian chief negotiator*Palestinian cabinet minister*Palestinian International Co-operation Minister*Planning Minister for the Palestinian National Authority... met with Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan Eduard Nalbandyan Eduard Nalbandyan is an Armenian diplomat. He is the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia since April 2008.... to enlist the support of Armenia in the upcoming resolution. Afterwards, Shaath announced that he had been informed by a number of countries that they would recognise Palestine in the following weeks, and that he expected Armenia to be the first of these. However, the Armenian government did not release any statement regarding the meeting. The situation in Palestine is often seen as analogous to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh Nagorno-Karabakh Republic The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic , or Artsakh Republic is a de facto independent republic located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia... , and that any recognition of a Palestinian state by Armenia would set a precedent for the right to self-determination in that region. On similar situations, President Serzh Sargsyan previously stated, "Having the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia can not recognise another entity in the same situation as long as it has not recognised the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic". |
No | |
| 3 |  Australia |
Australian policy calls for a two-state solution, but it has not supported calls toward Palestinian statehood in the past, insisting instead on a negotiated settlement. The admittance of the Labor Party to power in 2007 returned Australia's vote in General Assembly resolutions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict to the side of the majority, calling on Israel to abide by international laws. In regards to the upcoming resolution to admit Palestine as a state, a division in positions emerged: Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd Kevin Rudd Kevin Michael Rudd is an Australian politician who was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia from 2007 to 2010. He has been Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2010... recommended abstaining from the vote, whilst Prime Minister Julia Gillard Julia Gillard Julia Eileen Gillard is the 27th and current Prime Minister of Australia, in office since June 2010.Gillard was born in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales and migrated with her family to Adelaide, Australia in 1966, attending Mitcham Demonstration School and Unley High School. In 1982 Gillard moved... declared strong support for Israel. In response, Gillard noted: "There isn't a resolution available for people to read or respond to. If such a resolution does hit the deck, then in deciding how Australia will vote, we will bring our very long-standing principles about questions in the Middle East. That is, we are long-standing supporters of a two-state solution. We are long-standing supporters of Israel's right to exist behind secure borders and we have said for a very long time this question is only going to be resolved by people sitting around a table and negotiating it to resolution." Gillard has made ties with Israel a priority of her foreign policy. |
Yes | |
| 4 |  Austria |
Austria conferred full diplomatic status on the PLO representation in Vienna on 13 December 1978, under then-chancellor Bruno Kreisky Bruno Kreisky Bruno Kreisky was an Austrian politician who served as Foreign Minister from 1959 to 1966 and as Chancellor from 1970 to 1983. Aged 72 at the end of his chancellorship, he was the oldest acting Chancellor after World War II.... . In June 2011, Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger Michael Spindelegger Michael Spindelegger is an Austrian lawyer and politician. He is the current Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Austria in the cabinet of Werner Faymann. Since 2011, Spindelegger is the current leader of the Austrian People's Party .- Early and personal life :Spindelegger was born in Mödling,... said that Austria "had not yet made up its mind whether to support a UN recognition of a Palestinian state", adding that he preferred to wait for a joint EU approach to the issue. "We will decide at the last moment because it might still give [Israelis and Palestinians] the opportunity to bring the Middle East peace process back on track." Spindelegger also suggested that the EU draft its own version of the resolution. |
Yes | EU |
| 5 |  The Bahamas |
The Bahamas has not publicised an official position of its own regarding the State of Palestine. It is a member of the Caribbean Community, which supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. In March 2011, the new Israeli ambassador to the country urged its leaders not to recognise a Palestinian state before negotiations for co-existence between Israel and Palestine had been settled. | No | |
| 6 |  Barbados |
Barbados is one of a number of Caribbean states whom have not announced an official position on recognition of the State of Palestine. It is a member of the Caribbean Community, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. | No | |
| 7 |  Belgium |
On the issue of Palestinian statehood, Belgium explicitly supports the declarations of the European Union. On 15 July 2011, the Belgian Senate adopted a resolution urging the government to recognise Palestine on the pre-1967 borders. Prime Minister Yves Leterme Yves Leterme Yves Camille Désiré Leterme is a Flemish Belgian politician, a leader of the Christian Democratic and Flemish party , and the 48th Prime Minister of Belgium.Leterme was the Prime Minister of Belgium from March 2008 to December 2008... stressed the importance of achieving a unified EU position before September. |
Yes | EU |
| 8 |  Cameroon |
Cameroon officially supports a two-state solution. Although a member of the OIC, President Paul Biya Paul Biya Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician who has been the President of Cameroon since 6 November 1982. A native of Cameroon's south, Biya rose rapidly as a bureaucrat under President Ahmadou Ahidjo in the 1960s, serving as Secretary-General of the Presidency from 1968 to 1975 and then as Prime... has developed strong ties with Israel since the mid-1980's. This perceived friendship has soured the country's traditionally close ties with Arab states, many of whom have withdrawn longstanding economic development assistance and pressed Biya to support Palestinian interests. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked Biya to oppose the upcoming United Nations resolution that would admit Palestine as a member state. |
Yes | OIC |
| 9 |  Canada |
Canada supports the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, but only as part of a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement". The Harper Stephen Harper Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election... administration is traditionally regarded as a staunch supporter of Israel. In July 2011, the spokesman for Foreign Minister John Baird John Baird (Canadian politician) John Russell Baird, PC, MP is a Canadian politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.... stated, "Our government's long-standing position has not changed. The only solution to this conflict is one negotiated between and agreed to by the two parties. ... One of the states must be a Jewish state Jewish state A homeland for the Jewish people was an idea that rose to the fore in the 19th century in the wake of growing anti-Semitism and Jewish assimilation. Jewish emancipation in Europe paved the way for two ideological solutions to the Jewish Question: cultural assimilation, as envisaged by Moses... and recognised as such, while the Palestinian state is to be a non-militarised Demilitarized zone In military terms, a demilitarized zone is an area, usually the frontier or boundary between two or more military powers , where military activity is not permitted, usually by peace treaty, armistice, or other bilateral or multilateral agreement... one". |
Yes | |
| 10 |  Colombia |
In March 2011, following a succession of recognition statements from South American governments, President Juan Manuel Santos Juan Manuel Santos Juan Manuel Santos Calderón is a Colombian politician who has been the President of Colombia since 7 August 2010. He previously served as Minister of Foreign Trade, Minister of Finance, and Minister of National Defense.-Career:... stated unequivocally that Colombia will not recognise Palestine as a state as a "matter of principle" until an agreement is reached with Israel. He emphasised that the only path to peace in the Middle East was through direct negotiations. Colombia strengthened its ties with Israel in 2008, and Israel is now its primary supplier of weaponry. |
Yes | UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012) |
| 11 |  Independent State of Croatia |
Croatia formalised relations with the PNA in March 2011. Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor Jadranka Kosor Jadranka Kosor is a Croatian politician and former journalist. She is the current Prime Minister of Croatia, having taken office on July 6, 2009, following the sudden resignation of her predecessor Ivo Sanader. She is Croatia's first female Prime Minister since independence.-Early life:Jadranka... said that her government supports the co-existence of two states, Israel and Palestine. |
Yes | |
| 12 |  Denmark |
Denmark is a strong supporter of the Palestinian state-building agenda, advocating EU support to the Palestinian Authority's two-year deadline for the establishment of the necessary foundations for a viable state; a plan which expires in August 2011. During the campaign for the 2011 elections, the opposition party argued that Denmark should recognise the State of Palestine. Foreign Minister Lene Espersen Lene Espersen Lene Espersen is a Danish politician and member of parliament who has been Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs since 23 February 2010 and was leader of the Conservative People's Party and Deputy Prime Minister from 9 September 2008 to 13 January 2011... , however, warned that such a unilateral decision could have "more negative than beneficial" consequences, and stressed the need co-ordinate policy with the EU. "It is essential that a recognition also contributes to real political progress. And we are not there yet. That is why I do not want Denmark to go it alone in such an important question." |
Yes | EU; Denmark–Palestine relations Denmark–Palestine relations Denmark–Palestine relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and Palestine. Denmark has a representative office in Ramallah... |
| 13 |  Dominica |
Dominica is a member of the Caribbean Community, which supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. It is also one of eight members of the Bolivarian Alliance, which issued a statement on 9 September 2011 expressing full support for the recognition of the State of Palestine by the United Nations. | No | |
| 14 |  Eritrea |
President Isaias Afewerki Isaias Afewerki Isaias Afewerki is the first and current President of Eritrea, attaining that status when he led the Eritrean People's Liberation Front to victory in May 1991, thus ending the 30-year old armed liberation struggle that the Eritrean people refer to as "Gedli".-Early life and rise to power:Afewerki... has stated that his government does not recognise Palestine. In October 2010, he stated, "Israel needs a government, we must respect this. The Palestinians also need to have a dignified life, but it can not be the West Bank or Gaza. A two-state solution will not work. It's just to fool people. Israelis and Palestinians living in the same nation will never happen for many reasons. One option that may work is a Transjordan. Israel may be left in peace and the Palestinian and Jordanian peoples are brought together and can create their own nation". |
Yes | |
| 15 |  Estonia |
During a meeting with Riyad al-Malki in June 2010, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Urmas Paet Urmas Paet is an Estonian politician who has been Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia since 2005. He is a member of the Estonian Reform Party. As of September 2010, Paet has been the longest serving minister since the re-establishment of Estonian independence.-Biography:Paet was born in Tallinn... confirmed that Estonia supports the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people as well as a two-state solution. Officials have stated that the government will not adopt a position regarding the United Nations bid until the final wording of the resolution is published. |
Yes | EU |
| 16 |  Fiji |
Fijian policy on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is largely based on United Nations resolutions. In 2011, it was reported that Fiji's vote on Palestine's membership at the United Nations may have been the subject of classified communications passed between the Fijian and Vanuatuan governments. | No | |
| 17 |  Finland |
In December 2010, foreign affairs minister Alexander Stubb Alexander Stubb Cai-Göran Alexander Stubb is a Finnish politician and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 4 April 2008 to 22 June 2011... , on the prospect of recognising a Palestinian state, said: "I would not like to go there yet. I think the most important thing is to keep the peace process going." In April 2011, Stubb confirmed his country's support for the PNA's political and economic program. Palestinian planning minister Ali Jarbawi Ali Jarbawi Ali Jarbawi is the current Minister of Planning and Administrative Development of the Government of the Palestinian National Authority.. Prior to this appointment he worked in government as a special adviser to the Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and supervised the preparation of the Palestinian... released a statement lauding Finland's efforts in the European Union to gain recognition for a Palestinian state in September. |
Yes | EU |
| 18 |  Early Modern France |
According to President Nicolas Sarkozy Nicolas Sarkozy Nicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier.... , "France supports the solution of two nation states living side-by-side in peace and security, within safe and recognised borders." In May 2011, Sarkozy said that if peace talks with Israel had not resumed by September, he would recognise the State of Palestine as part of its bid at the United Nations. "If the peace process is still dead in September, France will face up to its responsibilities on the central question of recognition of a Palestinian state." This echoed statements made in March by Nabil Shaath, who claimed to have received a promise from France that it would recognise in September a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. According to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, Sarkozy had said that France's support would require the Palestinians to recognise Israel as the state of the Jewish people. This was confirmed in July, when Foreign Minister Alain Juppé Alain Juppé Alain Marie Juppé is a French politician currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also served as Prime Minister of France from 1995 to 1997 under President Jacques Chirac and the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs from 2010 to 2011... stated that any solution to the conflict would require the recognition of "the nation-state of Israel for the Jewish people, and the nation-state of Palestine for the Palestinian people." This broke with the European Union's traditional position, which adamantly opposes any mention of Israel as a Jewish state. Sarkozy later went full-circle on this policy, reportedly saying that the idea of a Jewish state was "silly". In August, Sarkozy stressed the importance of a united EU position on the September initiative, and proposed a compromise where the State of Palestine would be given observer status instead of full membership. The proposal, which was to prevent a split among members of the EU, included a promise from Paris and other members that they would vote for the resolution. |
Yes | EU, UNSC (permanent) |
| 19 |  Germany |
In April 2011, Chancellor Angela Merkel Angela Merkel Angela Dorothea Merkel is the current Chancellor of Germany . Merkel, elected to the Bundestag from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has been the chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union since 2000, and chairwoman of the CDU-CSU parliamentary coalition from 2002 to 2005.From 2005 to 2009 she led a... labelled the Palestinian bid for recognition a "unilateral step", and stated unequivocally that Germany will not recognise a Palestinian state without its prior acceptance by Israel. "Unilateral recognitions therefore definitely do not contribute to achieving this aim ... This is our stance now and it will be our stance in September. There needs to be mutual recognition, otherwise it is not a two-state solution". She also reaffirmed her government's commitment to see an agreement reached as soon as possible. "We want a two-state solution. We want to recognise a Palestinian state. Let us ensure that negotiations begin. It is urgent". |
Yes | EU, UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012) |
| 20 |  Greece |
President Karolos Papoulias Karolos Papoulias -Honours:*Knight Grand Cross with Grand Cordon of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic *Knight Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav *Knight of the Order of the Elephant- External links :*... has stated that Greece ultimately supports the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Under previous governments, Greece garnered a reputation as a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause. Within the wider Arab–Israeli conflict, Andreas Papandreou Andreas Papandreou Andreas G. Papandreou ; 5 February 1919 – 23 June 1996) was a Greek economist, a socialist politician and a dominant figure in Greek politics. The son of Georgios Papandreou, Andreas was a Harvard-trained academic... maintained a stronger stand against Israel than any other government in the European Community. Diplomatic relations were founded with the PLO in 1981, while relations with Israel were maintained only at the consular level until Greece's formal recognition of Israel in 1990 under Mitsotakis. Since the formation of current foreign policy under George Papandreou George Papandreou Georgios A. Papandreou , commonly anglicised to George and shortened to Γιώργος in Greek, is a Greek politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece following his party's victory in the 2009 legislative election... , Greece has seen a rapid improvement in relations with Israel, leading the media to mark the conclusion of Greece's pro-Palestinian era. This was most notably showcased by the Greek government's support for Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, when it stopped the sailing of the Freedom Flotilla II Freedom Flotilla II "Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human" was a flotilla that planned to break the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel by sailing to Gaza on 5 July 2011. Ultimately, the sailing did not take place.... in July 2011. |
Yes | EU |
| 21 |  Grenada |
Grenada is a member of the Caribbean Community, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. In regards to the upcoming bid at the United Nations, however, Grenadan Foreign Minister Karl Hood Karl Hood Karl Hood is a politician from the island of Grenada. He currently serves as that nation's Minister of Foreign Affairs.-References:*... stated that the organisation had not yet decided how to vote, and that its members were "not together on this". Hood reported that Grenada had been subjected to intense lobbying from both sides. "We have to look at all the issues, and the implications of what the vote is." In October, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas Tillman Thomas Tillman Joseph Thomas is a Grenadian politician, currently serving as Prime Minister of Grenada. He is also the leader of the National Democratic Congress .-Biography:... assured Abbas of Grenada's full support. "Grenada supports Palestine's application for full United Nations membership ... On behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, I wish you success at all levels with this initiative." |
No | |
| 22 |  Guatemala |
Guatemala has not indicated its position regarding the upcoming vote on statehood. President Álvaro Colom Álvaro Colom Álvaro Colom Caballeros is the President of Guatemala for the 2008–2012 term and leader of the social-democratic National Unity of Hope .-Early years:... stated in mid-September that he was still analysing the matter. Israel is the country's largest supplier of military aid. |
No | |
| 23 |  Haiti |
Haiti is a member of the Caribbean Community, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. | No | |
| 24 |  Iceland |
Following a trip to Gaza Gaza Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,... in July 2011, Foreign Minister Össur Skarphéðinsson Össur Skarphéðinsson Össur Skarphéðinsson is an Icelandic politician who has been Minister for Foreign Affairs since February 2009.Össur matriculated from the Reykjavík Grammar School in 1973, and gained a BS in Biology from the University of Iceland in 1979, and a doctorate in physiology from the University of East... announced his country would support a formal call for Palestinian statehood this September. "I told [al-Maliki] that if it came to be at the United Nations General Assembly in September that a motion would be put forward by the nations supporting Palestinian independence and encouraging other nations to recognise Palestine as an independent nation with its 1967 borders, Iceland would support that. Likewise, if a proposition comes to the UN to include Palestine into the UN as a new nation ... Iceland would also support that." In his speech to the General Assembly in September, Skarphéðinsson announced that he would submit to the Althing Althing The Alþingi, anglicised variously as Althing or Althingi, is the national parliament of Iceland. The Althingi is the oldest parliamentary institution in the world still extant... a resolution on the recognition of the State of Palestine. The parliament approved the resolution on 29 November, granting the government the authority to recognise the Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders. |
Yes | |
| 25 |  Republic of Ireland |
In January 2011, Ireland accorded the Palestinian delegation in Dublin to diplomatic status. The foreign ministry in Israel responded that it was "not surprised" due to the Irish government's "biased policy regarding the conflict over the years". The upgrade was subsequently echoed in seven other EU countries. In March, Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore Eamon Gilmore Eamon Gilmore is an Irish Labour Party politician and the current Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has been the Leader of the Labour Party since September 2007, and a Teachta Dála for the Dún Laoghaire constituency since 1989, first with the Workers' Party of Ireland, and... claimed that Ireland would "lead the charge" in recognising Palestinian statehood, but that it would not come until the PNA was in full and sole control over the its territories. "The timing of such a declaration will be an important decision ... I very much hope to be able to extend recognition of a full, functional Palestinian state during my time in office." In regards to the proposed resolution from the United Nations, Gilmore's department reported at the beginning of September that Ireland had yet to formally adopt a position on the matter, saying the government's precise position would depend on the wording of the official proposal. |
Yes | EU |
| 26 |  Israel |
Yes | ||
| 27 |  Italy |
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Silvio Berlusconi Silvio Berlusconi , also known as Il Cavaliere – from knighthood to the Order of Merit for Labour which he received in 1977 – is an Italian politician and businessman who served three terms as Prime Minister of Italy, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011. Berlusconi is also the... said in May 2011 that Italy would not recognise a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. At an event in Rome celebrating Israel's independence, Berlusconi praised Israel for being the only true democracy in the Middle East and pledged his country's support for Israelis in "difficult situations". "Italy has always stood by Israel, even within the framework of the EU when it opposed decisions that were unbalanced and unjust towards Israel." In June, he reiterated: "We do not believe that a unilateral solution can help peace, neither on the Palestinian side nor on the Israeli side. I believe peace can only be reached with a common initiative through negotiations." His position was shared by parliamentarians, who drafted a letter to the United Nations stating, "A premature, unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood would not only undermine rather than resolve the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, but would constitute a standing affront to the integrity of the United Nations, international agreements, and international law." |
Yes | EU |
| 28 |  Jamaica |
Like other members of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica supports a two-state solution. In 2010, Prime Minister Bruce Golding Bruce Golding Orette Bruce Golding MP served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from 11 September 2007 to 23 October 2011. He is a member of the Jamaica Labour Party.-Biography:... expressed hope for "a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East that guarantees the security of Israel and the unquestioned recognition of a Palestinian state." The Golding administration has not announced a position on the upcoming resolution. |
No | |
| 29 |  Japan |
Japan supports a two-state solution to the conflict, and is firmly committed to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Responding to Israeli settlement activities in 2010, the Japanese government stated that it would not recognise any act that prejudges the final status of Jerusalem and the territories in the pre-1967 borders. Likewise, in January 2011, it declared that it would not recognise the annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel. Regarding the September initiative, Japan is reported to be still debating the matter. | Yes | |
| 30 |  Kiribati |
During the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum Pacific Islands Forum The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum... in early September 2011, the foreign minister of Kiribati reportedly expressed support for the Palestinian position. |
No | |
| 31 |  South Korea |
The government of South Korea does not recognise the State of Palestine. | Yes | |
| 32 |  Latvia |
Latvia supports a two-state solution to the conflict and provides development assistance to the Palestinian National Authority. | Yes | EU |
| 33 |  Liechtenstein |
Liechtenstein relies on Switzerland to carry out most of its foreign affairs. In January 2011, it co-sponsored a draft resolution guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and stated that this right must be exercised with a view to achieving a viable and fully sovereign Palestinian state. | No | |
| 34 |  Lithuania |
Like the rest of the European Union, Lithuania supports a two-state solution including an independent Palestinian state. Regarding the Palestinian push for United Nations membership, Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis Audronius Ažubalis Audronius Ažubalis is a Lithuanian journalist and politician, currently serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania . He was a member of the Seimas 1996–2000, and was elected again in 2004. He has chaired the foreign affairs committee of the Seimas... stressed the importance of maintaining a unanimous and well-balanced EU position which encouraged both parties to resume peace talks. |
Yes | EU |
| 35 |  Luxembourg |
In an interview with Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn Jean Asselborn Jean Asselborn is a Luxembourger politician. Since 31 July 2004, he has been the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration in the government led by Jean-Claude Juncker.... in March 2011, The Jerusalem Post stated that Luxembourg was considered among the "least friendly" countries to Israel in the EU. Asselborn himself has been described as openly pro-Palestinian. In response to divisions within the EU regarding the Palestinians' September bid for UN membership, Asselborn reportedly urged the PNA to accept an upgrade in its observer status and not ask for membership. He insisted, "We cannot let the Palestinians leave New York at the end of the month with nothing", He referred to the positions of four members in particular that stood as an obstacle to the achievement of a common position, but that he "cannot agree to say no" to the Palestinian endeavour. He noted that securing the support of all EU nations "would be an enormous moral advantage" for Palestine. |
Yes | EU |
| 36 |
Nikola Poposki
Nikola Poposki is the incumbent Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia. Prior to his current role, Poposki served as the country's former ambassador to the European Union.-Education:...
, stated, the Macedonian position will be built in accordance with the views of the European Union and its strategic partners. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 37 ||
Marshall Islands || The Marshallese government has not published an official position regarding the Palestinian state. Under the terms of its agreementsCompact of Free Association
The Compact of Free Association defines the relationship that three sovereign states—the Federated States of Micronesia , the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau—have entered into as associated states with the United States.Now sovereign nations, the three freely associated...
with the United States, it has limited independence in its foreign policy, and hence mostly votes with Israel and the U.S. in United Nations resolutions, along with Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 38 ||
Mexico || Mexico maintains a policy of supporting a two-state solution. Palestinian and Israeli officials expected Mexico to follow South American countries in recognising the State of Palestine in early 2011. Its position on the matter is seen as influential in Latin America, and therefore critical to both proponents and opponents. Opposition parties have urged the government to recognise a Palestinian state as part of the September initiative, putting down its hesitance to U.S. pressure. || align="center" | Yes |||-
| 39 || || The FSM is a consistent supporter of Israel, especially in international resolutions, though this is due in part to its association with the United States. During the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
in September 2011, the leader of the Micronesian delegation reportedly stated his country's solidarity with the Palestinian people's suffering and support for their right to self-determination. Regarding the PNA's endeavour to gain admission to the United Nations, however, the official stated that the agreements
Compact of Free Association
The Compact of Free Association defines the relationship that three sovereign states—the Federated States of Micronesia , the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau—have entered into as associated states with the United States.Now sovereign nations, the three freely associated...
signed with the U.S. prevented the FSM from voting according to its government's wishes in cases where they conflicted with those of the U.S. In reference to Israel's continued development assistance to Micronesians, another diplomat noted, "We need Israeli expertise, so I don't see a change in our policy anytime soon." || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 40 ||
Moldova || Moldova maintains a policy of neutrality in international affairs. It has expressed full support for the Quartet principlesRoad map for peace
The roadmap for peace or "road map" for peace is a plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict proposed by a "quartet" of international entities: the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations. The principles of the plan, originally drafted by U.S. Foreign Service...
for the settlement of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which call for an independent Palestinian state. || align="center" | Yes ||
|-
| 41 ||
Monaco || The Monégasque government has not published an official position on Palestinian statehood. As required by its agreements with France, Monaco's foreign policy is developed in conformity with French interests. || align="center" | No |||-
| 42 ||
Myanmar || Myanmar is one of only three members of the Non-Aligned MovementNon-Aligned Movement
The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states considering themselves not aligned formally with or against any major power bloc. As of 2011, the movement had 120 members and 17 observer countries...
that has not recognised the State of Palestine, alongside Thailand and Singapore. Former foreign affairs minister Win Aung
Win Aung
Win Aung was a Burmese military officer and politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1998 until 2004.Win Aung was born in Dawei , Tanintharyi Division in 1944...
stated in 2000 that Myanmar supports a two-state solution within internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 43 ||
Nauru || During the Pacific Islands ForumPacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
in early September 2011, Foreign Affairs Minister Kieren Keke
Kieren Keke
Kieren Aedogan Ankwong Keke is a Nauruan politician and medical doctor. He is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs and has previously been speaker of the Nauruan Parliament.-Background:...
confirmed his nation's solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. The PNA's foreign ministry published a statement prior to the summit claiming that most Pacific island nations will vote against the United Nations resolution regarding the Palestinian state. || align="center" | No ||
|-
| 44 ||
Netherlands || In June 2011, Foreign Minister Uri RosenthalUri Rosenthal
Uriël "Uri" Rosenthal is a Dutch politician of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy . He is the Minister of Foreign Affairs since October 14, 2010 in the Cabinet Rutte. He served as a Member of the Senate from June 8, 1999 until October 14, 2010. And the Parliamentary leader in the Senate...
stated that the request to admit Palestine at the United Nations "will not be supported by the Netherlands". He called instead for a resumption of negotiations: "We will continue to stress for a restart to direct negotiations." He insisted that a peace deal must be based "on an agreement between all parties", and that the Netherlands was "totally opposed to any unilateral steps whatsoever". Abbas highlighted the importance of the Dutch role in the peace process, precisely because it maintained close ties with Israel: "It doesn't disturb us at all. They play a very important role and the Palestinian people are very appreciative of their help." || align="center" | Yes || EU
|-
| 45 ||
New Zealand || New Zealand support a two-state solution to the peace process. It also maintains a policy of not expressing explicit recognition of new states, preferring to imply recognition through actions rather than formal declarations. For Palestine, this would mean upgrading its accredited delegation to a diplomatic status. In early September, Foreign Minister Murray McCullyMurray McCully
Murray Stuart McCully is a New Zealand politician. He is a member of the National Party, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Minister for the Rugby World Cup.-Early life:...
said that the government would not make a decision until the wording of the resolution was released. "We've got a reputation for being fair minded and even handed on this matter and all we can do is wait to see the words. He also told Riyad al-Malki that he had refused to give any pledges Israel to oppose to vote. || align="center" | Yes ||
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| 46 ||
Norway || Norway upgraded the Palestinian mission in OsloOslo
Oslo is a municipality, as well as the capital and most populous city in Norway. As a municipality , it was established on 1 January 1838. Founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. The city was moved under the reign of Denmark–Norway's King...
to an embassy in December 2010, and Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
Jonas Gahr Støre
Jonas Gahr Støre is the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, having been appointed to Jens Stoltenberg's second cabinet on 17 October 2005. He represents the Norwegian Labour Party.-Personal life:...
called for the creation of a Palestinian state within the following year. In January 2011, Støre stated that, should negotiations with Israel fail to make progress by September, his country would recognise Palestine within the United Nations framework. Following a meeting with Abbas in July 2011, Støre claimed that it was "perfectly legitimate" for the Palestinians to seek a vote on recognition of statehood. "The fundamental Norwegian view is that a people have the right to use UN institutions to clarify questions about the legitimacy of their status in the world. We are opposed to denying this to the Palestinians". The minister withheld full commitment until the request was officially announced, after which, on 18 September, he confirmed that Norway would lend its support: "Norway will support this and is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state." || align="center" | Yes ||
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| 47 ||
Palau || At the Pacific Islands ForumPacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
summit in early September 2011, the leader of the country's delegation expressed understanding for the suffering of the Palestinians and his desire to see a Palestinian state. He stressed, however, the importance of his country's relations
Compact of Free Association
The Compact of Free Association defines the relationship that three sovereign states—the Federated States of Micronesia , the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau—have entered into as associated states with the United States.Now sovereign nations, the three freely associated...
with the U.S. and that his government would not interfere with its vital interests. || align="center" | No ||
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| 48 ||
Panama || Panama has not indicated its position regarding the upcoming vote on statehood, and is reported to be undecided on the matter. President Ricardo MartinelliRicardo Martinelli
Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal is a Panamanian politician and businessman who was elected the 49th President of Panama in 2009. He is a Panamanian of Italian descent from his father's side.- Early life :...
has a record of supporting Israel in UN resolutions, and has reportedly resisted pressure from other Latin American governments to recognise Palestine. The Central American Integration System
Central American Integration System
Central American Integration System is the economic, cultural and political organization of Central American states since February 1, 1993. It was on December 13, 1991, however, when all the countries of the ODECA signed the Protocol of Tegucigalpa which extended the earlier cooperation in search...
(SICA) was expected to adopt a joint position on the issue at its summit on 18 August, but Panama insisted that discussion should retain a regional focus and the matter was not included on the final agenda. In early September, Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez said that the government's decision would not be made public until its vote is cast, but added, "It is very important that the birth of this country and its recognition in the international forum is previously accompanied by a full peace agreement with its neighbour, Israel." || align="center" | No ||
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| 49 ||
Portugal || In February 2011, several parliamentary factions proposed resolutions calling on the government to recognise the State of Palestine. However, these were dismissed by the two majority parties, which insisted on a prior settlement acceptable to both Palestinians and Israelis. Foreign Minister Paulo PortasPaulo Portas
Paulo de Sacadura Cabral Portas , commonly known just by Paulo Portas , is a Portuguese politician, party leader of the Democratic and Social Centre – People's Party , a member of the Portuguese Parliament and former Portuguese minister of State, National Defense and Sea Affairs.In 2011, after he...
stated that Portugal supports the initiative to recognise Palestine, but that it must not forget the security of Israel: "We will do everything for Palestine, which deserves to have its state, and do nothing against Israel, which deserves to have its security." || align="center" | Yes || EU, UNSC (Jan 2011–Dec 2012)
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| 50 ||
Saint Kitts and Nevis || Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Caribbean CommunityCaribbean Community
The Caribbean Community is an organisation of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies. CARICOM's main purposes are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared, and to coordinate foreign policy...
, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy between its member states. In May 2011, the organisation's Foreign Council jointly reiterated its support for a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. The council was chaired by Kittian Foreign Minister Sam Condor
Sam Condor
Sam Terrence Condor is a Kittitian politician and the current Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis. In the incumbent administration of Denzil Douglas, Condor is also the Minister of National Security, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Labour, Minister of Immigration and Minister of...
. Earlier in April, Condor had accepted assistance from Israel in developing the country's intelligence and security sectors. || align="center" | No ||
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| 51 ||
Saint Lucia || Saint Lucia and its President Stephenson KingStephenson King
Stephenson Toby King was the sixth Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. He represents the constituency of Castries North for the United Workers Party in the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. King won the elections in 2006, unseating the incumbent Minister of Agriculture Ignatius Jean...
have a steady history of co-operation with Israel. It is a member of the Caribbean Community, which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No ||
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| 52 ||
Samoa || Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele MalielegaoiTuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi
Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi is a Samoan politician who has been Prime Minister of Samoa since 1998.-Biography:Born at Lepa, Samoa, Malielegaoi is an economist by profession...
has expressed support for a two-state solution to the conflict. || align="center" | No ||
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| 53 ||
San Marino || San Marino's foreign activities are limited, and it does not maintain formal ties with the Palestinians. The government reportedly received intense pressure from Israel to vote no on the Palestinian resolution. || align="center" | No |||-
| 54 ||
Singapore || Singapore has not yet recognised the State of Palestine and has not announced a position regarding the upcoming vote. The island state has a strong relationship with Israel. || align="center" | No |||-
| 55 ||
Slovenia || In a letter addressed to Ban Ki-moonBan Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
dated April 2011, President Danilo Türk
Danilo Türk
- Early life :Türk was born in a lower middle class family in Maribor, Slovenia . His father died when he was a child. He attended the prestigious II. Gymnasium High school in Maribor. In 1971 he enrolled to the University of Ljubljana where he studied law...
claimed that "the moment to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, on the basis of two independent states, Israel and Palestine, living alongside each other peacefully, is now". In June, Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar
Samuel Žbogar
Samuel Žbogar is a Slovenian diplomat and politician. He currently serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia.He was born in Postojna, but spent his youth in Nova Gorica, where he finished the local grammar school, where he was a school mate of the current Prime Minister of Slovenia Borut...
stated that his government was ready to "start making [the] first steps towards recognising Palestine", but stressed that the issue of recognition as a state has to be separated from its membership in the UN. He also noted that "Slovenia is not waiting for a joint position of the EU, because there will not be one." || align="center" | Yes || EU
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| 56 ||
Solomon Islands || Foreign Minister Peter Shannel AgovakaPeter Shannel Agovaka
Peter Shannel Agovaka is a Solomon Islands politician.He studied at Telecom College in Papua New Guinea, then at the North Sydney Institute of Engineering in Australia, before working as a Community Affairs Officer for Gold Ridge Mining Limited in Solomon Islands.His career in national politics...
met Riyad al-Malki in early September at the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
in Wellington. Agovaka reportedly confirmed his government's support for the self-determination of Palestinians and for the efforts of Palestine at the United Nations. He said that the possibility of recognising the State of Palestine would be considered in the next meeting of cabinet. || align="center" | No ||
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| 57 || || The Palestinian government officially recognised the newly independent South Sudan on 14 July 2011. Subsequently, on 5 August, South Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor Kuol
Deng Alor Kuol
Deng Alor Kuol is a South Sudanese politician. He is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Cabinet of South Sudan. He was appointed to that position on 10 July 2011.-See also:* SPLM* SPLA* Cabinet of South Sudan-References:...
officially announced his government's intention to recognise Palestine, stating, "We will recognise any state that recognises us". This had been implied before, as Vice President Riek Machar
Riek Machar
Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon , is the first vice-president of the independent Republic of South Sudan.Riek Machar obtained a PhD in mechanical engineering in 1984 and then joined the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army during the Second Sudanese Civil War...
had announced his government's intention to establish relations "with all the Arab and Muslim countries" and recognised "the right to have a Palestinian state". At the end of August, however, Koul reportedly announced that he would support Israel in the September resolution. || align="center" | No ||
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| 58 ||
Spain || On 1 July 2011, the Spanish parliament passed a resolution urging its government to recognise the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders. Prior to this, Nabil Shaath had claimed in May that Spain intented to recognise the Palestinian state before September. In late July, Foreign Minister Trinidad JiménezTrinidad Jiménez
Trinidad Jiménez García-Herrera is a Spanish Socialist Workers' Party politician and is currently Spain's Foreign Affairs Minister....
said that Spain supports the bid, but that it would not determine its position until the proposal is made official. In an interview with El País in August, Jiménez confirmed Spain's support: "We are working with the idea that there is a majority in the EU that will support moving forward with the recognition of Palestine," she added, "There is a feeling that now is the moment to act, to give the Palestinians some hope that their state will become a reality." || align="center" | Yes || EU
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| 59 ||
Sweden || Sweden is widely considered to be among the most pro-Palestinian states in the EU. The union's 2009 declarations, which call for a two-state solution and refute any unilateral changes to the pre-1967 borders, were drafted and pushed through by Sweden. However, the government has maintained that a Palestinian state cannot be recognised until the Palestinians gain control over their own territory. According to Prime Minister Fredrik ReinfeldtFredrik Reinfeldt
John Fredrik Reinfeldt is the Prime Minister of Sweden, leader of the liberal conservative Moderate Party and former President of the European Council...
, "That is international law's most basic requirement to recognise a state." Foreign Minister Carl Bildt
Carl Bildt
, Honorary KCMG is a Swedish politician, diplomat and nobleman. Formerly Prime Minister of Sweden from 1991 to 1994 and leader of the liberal conservative Moderate Party from 1986 to 1999, Bildt has served as Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs since 6 October 2006...
has said the most fundamental definition of a state is that it controls its own territory, and that Palestinians won't control their own territory unless there is a settlement with Israel. "I would hope that we would be in a position to recognise a Palestinian state but there has to be one first". "A state has to be founded on an end of occupation, and an end of occupation is based upon an agreement with Israel". Sweden upgraded its Palestinian delegation in Stockholm in early September. || align="center" | Yes || EU
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| 60 ||
Switzerland || Switzerland was expected to adopt an official position at the end of August 2011, based on the recommendations of the foreign affairs parliamentary committee. On 16 August, the Senate committee advised that Switzerland should not take a position, in line with the country's policy of neutrality. Members of parliament, which has not yet discussed the matter, are divided. || align="center" | Yes |||-
| 61 ||
Thailand || In December 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit PiromyaKasit Piromya
Kasit Piromya is a Thai diplomat, "Yellow Shirts" activist, and Democrat Party politician. He was Foreign Minister of Thailand under Abhisit Vejjajiva from 2008 to 2011....
met with the Palestinian delegation at the OIC and reportedly promised to throw Thai support behind the Palestinian struggle. Hesitance to publicly commit to this, however, is seen as an example of the military's influence in government, given the consistently strong ties between the Thai and Israeli security sectors. In August, Nabil Shaath reported that the new Thai government under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
Yingluck Shinawatra
Yingluck Shinawatra , or nickname Pu , is a Thai businesswoman and politician, member of the Pheu Thai Party, and the 28th Prime Minister of Thailand following the 2011 general election...
would support the PNA's endeavours at the United Nations in September. || align="center" | No ||
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| 62 ||
Tonga || In September 2011, following the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in Wellington, the PNA's foreign ministry noted that it had made significant strides in its efforts to attain recognition from Tonga. || align="center" | No |||-
| 63 ||
Trinidad and Tobago || Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which strives to establish a co-ordinated foreign policy and supports a two-state solution along internationally recognised borders. || align="center" | No |||-
| 64 ||
United Kingdom || In September 2011, Britain said it would recognise Palestine as a state, but only with non-member observer status, rather than full membership, at the United Nations.|| align="center" | Yes || EU, UNSC (permanent); Palestine – United Kingdom relationsPalestine – United Kingdom relations
The United Kingdom maintains a consulate in Jerusalem which "provides public services and promote British interests in Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories". The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states the "Consular district covers Jerusalem , the West Bank and Gaza...
|-
| 65 ||
United States || President Barack ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
declared U.S. opposition to the bid in his speech to the General Assembly, saying that "genuine peace can only be realised between Israelis and Palestinians themselves" and that "[u]ltimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians - not us - who must reach an agreement on the issues that divide them". Obama has told Abbas that the U.S. would veto any United Nations Security Council move to recognise Palestinian statehood. || align="center" | Yes || UNSC (permanent); Palestine – United States relations
Palestine – United States relations
Palestine – United States relations are not diplomatic relations in the normal sense, since the United States does not recognize Palestine as an independent state, and the U.S. government is very cautious not to define relations with a sub-state entity as fully diplomatic.However, some sort of...
|}
Non-UN member states
| # | Name | | Official position | Relations !! Relevant memberships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | In July 2009, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana Javier Solana Francisco Javier Solana de Madariaga, KOGF is a Spanish physicist and Socialist politician. After serving in the Spanish government under Felipe González and Secretary General of NATO , he was appointed the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary... called for the United Nations to recognise the Palestinian state by a set deadline even if a settlement had not been reached: "The mediator has to set the timetable. If the parties are not able to stick to it, then a solution backed by the international community should ... be put on the table. After a fixed deadline, a UN Security Council resolution ... would accept the Palestinian state as a full member of the UN, and set a calendar for implementation." In December, the Council of the European Union Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union is the institution in the legislature of the European Union representing the executives of member states, the other legislative body being the European Parliament. The Council is composed of twenty-seven national ministers... endorsed a set of conclusions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict which forms the basis of present EU policy. It reasserted the objective of a two-state solution, and stressed that the union "will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties." It recalled that the EU "has never recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem" and that the State of Palestine must have its capital in Jerusalem. In December 2010, the Council reiterated these conclusions and announced its readiness, when appropriate, to recognise a Palestinian state, but encouraged a return to negotiations. The EU is the single largest donor of foreign aid to the Palestinians. Following a meeting of the union's foreign ministers on 2 September, Catherine Ashton stated that the EU position would depend on the wording of the Palestinian proposal. After the PNA confirmed that it would request full membership, an EU counter initiative was put forward which would see Palestine's status upgrade to that of an observer state. The proposal would include a promise from all members that they would vote for the resolution; in exchange the PNA must drop its plan to request full membership. Israel condemned the proposal, and Ashton, under pressure from Netanyahu and the U.S., raised a proposal of her own which did not include recognition of a state. Her proposal was rejected by several member states, which said she acted without authority and that under these terms members were bound to split their votes. On 29 September, the European Parliament passed a resolution stating that it "Supports and calls on member states to be united in addressing the legitimate demand of the Palestinians to be represented as a state at the United Nations." |
Yes | European Union – Palestine relations | |
| 68 |  Holy See |
Pope Benedict XVI Pope Benedict XVI Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See... called for the creation of a Palestinian state during his visit to the Holy Land in 2009. He met with Abbas again in June 2011, as part of the Palestinian effort to gain recognition as a state from the United Nations. An official statement released by the Vatican after the meeting read, "Particular stress was laid on the urgent need to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, one capable of ensuring respect for the rights of all and, therefore, the attainment of the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for an independent State. It was thus reiterated that soon the State of Israel and the Palestinian State must live in security, at peace with their neighbours and within internationally recognised borders". |
Yes |
Holy See–Palestine relations; Holy See and the Arab–Israeli peace process |
Notes
See also
- List of states with limited recognition
- Palestinian nationalismPalestinian nationalismPalestinian nationalism is the national movement of the Palestinian people. It has roots in Pan-Arabism and other movements rejecting colonialism and calling for national independence. More recently, Palestinian Nationalism is expressed through the Israeli–Palestinian conflict...
- Proposals for a Palestinian stateProposals for a Palestinian stateProposals for a Palestinian state currently refers to the proposed establishment of an independent state for the Palestinian people in Palestine on land that was occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War of 1967 and before by Egypt and by Jordan since 1949...
- International recognition of IsraelInternational recognition of IsraelThe recognition of Israel in the international community remains an outstanding issue of the Arab–Israeli conflict. Pursuant to the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which provided for the establishment of a Jewish state, Israel declared its independence at midnight on 14 May 1948...
External links
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palestinian National Authority
- Negotiations Affairs Department, Palestine Liberation Organization
- Avaaz.org petition
- Palestine State 194 campaign
- OneVoice Palestine