New York / Brussels / Valletta (Web Desk): Momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state has gathered pace as, following France, the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia and Portugal, five more European countries have formally acknowledged Palestine as a sovereign state.
During the latest session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and Andorra declared their decision, voicing strong support for a two-state solution.
The Belgian Prime Minister, addressing the Assembly, emphasized that Palestinians must be granted full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, stressing that the ongoing crisis poses a grave threat to both regional stability and the viability of a two-state solution.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister described the two-state framework as the “only realistic and lasting solution” to the conflict, while Malta’s leader underlined that recognition of Palestine does not equate to support for Hamas but rather reflects support for peace.
According to UN records, 147 of the 193 member states now recognize Palestine as an independent state, meaning more than 80 percent of the international community has endorsed its sovereignty.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated that his country seeks a peaceful future partnership with Palestine.
He condemned Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank and the continuing bombardment of Gaza, branding them as serious violations of international law. He noted that these actions have so far claimed the lives of more than 65,000 Palestinians and displaced millions of others.
The United States and Israel boycotted the UN session. Israel’s representative dismissed the gathering as a “circus,” while US officials criticized the recent recognitions as tantamount to “rewarding Hamas.”
Washington has signaled that it may use its veto power at the Security Council to block Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.
European leaders stressed that the recognition of Palestine is not merely symbolic but an instrument of practical pressure on Israel to curb human rights violations and to open the way toward a new path for peace in the Middle East.