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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the leaders were “rewarding terrorism”, vowing to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state and continue the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law.
Who first recognised a Palestinian state?
Algeria, Indonesia and Malaysia were among the first group of countries to recognise the state in 1988, with 82 countries in total — from India, Türkiye, and most of Africa to Eastern Europe — doing so by the end of that year.
Algeria, Indonesia and Malaysia were among the first group of countries to recognise a Palestinian state in 1988, with 82 countries in total doing so by the end of that year. Source: SBS News
In 1993, the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel signed the Oslo Accords — which were heralded as the start of peace talks.
In April 2024, the US vetoed a resolution that would have paved the way for full UN membership for the State of Palestine.
Countries join revived push for Palestinian statehood in Europe
The US, UK, Australia and other Western countries have previously insisted that recognition comes as part of a negotiated peace settlement.
As of March 2025, the State of Palestine has been recognised as a sovereign nation by 147 of 193 member states of the United Nations. Source: SBS News
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza — which has killed at least 60,430 people, according to the territory’s health ministry — in retaliation for Hamas’ killing of more than 1,170 people in Israel on October 7 in 2023, has renewed support in Europe for Palestinian statehood.
Later that year, Spain, Norway and Ireland joined efforts in Western Europe, with the hopes that the symbolic move would help work towards a two-state solution.
How has Australia’s policy shifted?
Recognition has already been signed off by the Australian cabinet and does not require ratification in parliament or a UN vote to take effect. It is now the official government policy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are attending high-level meetings at the United Nations in New York. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
It breaks decades of bipartisan support for recognition to come at the end of a peace process, with Opposition leader Sussan Ley and Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash strongly opposing the call.
