New York / Brussels / Paris — September 23, 2025 (Agencies):In a significant diplomatic development, three European Union member states—Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta—formally recognized the State of Palestine on Monday during a summit held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The move marks a growing shift in European sentiment toward Palestinian statehood amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to United Nations figures, 156 of the 193 UN member states now officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, representing over 80% of the global community.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced the decision as a “strong political and diplomatic signal to the world,” while clarifying that full legal recognition—including the establishment of an embassy and bilateral agreements—would be deferred until all hostages are released and Hamas is removed from Palestinian governance.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden described the recognition as “a renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, coexistence, and a two-state solution.” He emphasized that the gesture was not directed against Israel, nor intended as a reward for violence, but rather as a step toward lasting peace.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela echoed similar sentiments, stating that Malta was “proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood.” He reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state, while insisting that Hamas must play no role in future leadership.
Outside the EU, Monaco also declared its recognition of Palestine, with Prince Albert II expressing support for both Israel’s security and the Palestinian people’s right to a “sovereign, viable and democratic state,” conditional on the disarmament of Hamas and the release of hostages.
Earlier in the day, France formally recognized Palestine, joining the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which made similar announcements over the weekend. These recognitions are part of a coordinated diplomatic initiative co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
The wave of recognitions comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. Gaza’s health authorities report over 65,000 fatalities since the conflict began, while a UN commission has accused Israel of committing acts amounting to genocide.
Israel has strongly condemned the recognitions. Ambassador Danny Danon stated that the United States and Israel “will not participate in this charade,” denouncing the diplomatic moves as undermining peace efforts.