Despite Recognition from Three-Quarters of the World, Why Is Palestinian Statehood Still Denied?

As famine and humanitarian catastrophe loom over the rubble of Gaza, countries like France, the UK, and Canada have announced plans to recognize Palestine as a state. While these announcements have sparked international attention, they also drew sharp reactions from Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the move a “reward for Hamas,” and the U.S. swiftly criticized the initiative.

In a recent New York Times opinion piece, analyst Saher Al Ghura emphasized that such recognition could serve as a crucial diplomatic step toward affirming Palestine’s political sovereignty and territorial integrity—principles central to international law. He argued that official recognition could strengthen global pressure to uphold Palestinian rights.

To date, 147 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine as an independent state. Yet key global powers, particularly members of the G7—the US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Italy—have not extended formal recognition.

Recently, nations including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Malta stated they may recognize Palestine by September, but only under specific conditions:

• France intends to back Palestine’s recognition at the UN General Assembly.
• The UK conditioned its support on a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian access.
• Canada tied recognition to democratic reforms and elections in Palestine—without Hamas involvement—by 2026.
• Australia also demanded similar reform commitments from Palestinian leadership.

One of the most pointed criticisms is that, while Palestinians face a list of demands for recognition, Israel continues to receive military aid and support—particularly from the U.S.—without any comparable conditions.

Analysts say these declarations serve more as tools of diplomatic pressure than genuine support for Palestinian statehood. Recognition, in this context, has become a bargaining chip rather than a principled stand.

Despite support from the majority of the international community, the lack of action from powerful Western nations continues to prevent Palestinians from achieving real sovereignty. As the death toll in Gaza rises daily, recognition remains a symbolic promise—conditioned, postponed, and ultimately unfulfilled.