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What does the recognition of the State of Palestine mean?

Recognition of the State of Palestine has returned to the center of the international debate, after the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia have taken the step. But... what does it mean for a country to recognize the State of Palestine?

GAZA (GAZA Y CISJORDANIA), 21/09/2025.- En una fosa común improvisada detrás del Hospital Shifa, en la ciudad de Gaza, decenas de familias entierran a sus seres queridos este domingo, mientras la operación terrestre de Israel se expande, temerosos de que buscar un lugar de entierro digno les ponga en riesgo. Los cuerpos, envueltos en telas blancas, son depositados en un hoyo abierto en la arena. A su alrededor, edificios derrumbados y el zumbido constante de drones conforman el escenario de un duelo sin pausa. EFE/ Ahmad Awad
Photo: EFE

The recognition of the State of Palestinereturnsto the center of the international debate  after the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia  step. But... what does it mean for a country to recognize the State of Palestine?

First of all, what does it mean to recognize a state?

In fact, the recognition of a State is a diplomatic act whereby a country officially accepts the existence of another country as a sovereign entity. It presupposes the recognition of its right to self-determination, the recognition of its government and institutions, and in most cases the establishment of diplomatic relations. In the case of the Palestinians, it is also a political gesture in favour of the purpose of creating an independent State.

How many countries recognize the Palestinian state today?

Of the 193 countries that make up the United Nations, 150 already recognize the State of Palestine. Most of them come from Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Europe, the debate is now on. Sweden was the first to take the step in 2014, and recently countries like Spain, Ireland and Norway have joined.

Does it really influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

In itself, recognition does not change the situation, but it has a marked symbolic and diplomatic influence. It strengthens Palestine's international legitimacy and presses Israel to resume negotiations. For many governments, it is also a way of pushing for a two-state solution.

What does Israel say about that?

Israel rejects unilateral concessions because it believes that the State of Palestine should be created solely from bilateral negotiations. Netanyahu has gone further these days and has repeatedly stressed that "there will be no State of Palestine under any circumstances."

Israel says these gestures undermine the peace process and reward the Palestinians without demanding concessions. It also denounces that many of these acknowledgements ignore the role of Hamas (considered a terrorist group by Israel, the EU, and the US).

And what does it mean for Palestine?

The Palestinian National Authority considers every new recognition to be an essential safeguard. It strengthens its international role, encourages participation in United Nations institutions and may pave the way for further legal action before international courts.

Is recognition of Palestine against Israel?

Not necessarily. Many countries that have recognized the Palestinian State emphasize that it is a gesture for peace and not against Israel. Most advocate the right of both peoples to live in secure, recognized states with specific borders. In this sense, recognition seeks to strengthen the two-state solution and not replace negotiations.

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