International recognition of Palestine

The State of Palestine is seen as its own country by many nations around the world. As of September 2025, 157 out of 193 member states of the United Nations recognize it as a sovereign state. This means most countries view Palestine as a separate country.

However, Palestine is only a non-member observer state in the UN General Assembly. This is like being close to a full member but not quite there.

The State of Palestine was officially declared on 15 November 1988 by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). They wanted it to include the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Many countries recognized it quickly, and by the end of 1988, 78 countries had done so.

The goal is for both Israel and Palestine to live peacefully as separate countries. This is called the two-state solution. Many large countries, such as China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, support this idea and recognize Palestine as a state. However, some countries, like the United States, do not recognize Palestine as a state. This makes it harder for Palestine to become a full UN member.

History

Background

Further information: Palestine and the United Nations and Foreign relations of Palestine

In 1974, the United Nations said the Palestinian people had the right to self-determination, independence, and sovereignty in Palestine. It said the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was the group that spoke for the Palestinian people and gave it observer status in the United Nations. The State of Palestine was declared by the PLO in 1988, saying it ruled the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip.

After this, many countries recognized the State of Palestine. The Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference also recognized it. Many more countries joined over time. Today, most UN member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. Palestine is a non-member observer state in the UN General Assembly, but full membership is blocked by the United States. The other permanent members of the Security Council — China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — recognize Palestine.

Timeline of Palestine in the United Nations

On October 14, 1974, the United Nations let the Palestine Liberation Organization speak in big meetings about Palestine. On November 22, 1974, the PLO got special status to join all United Nations meetings.

In December 1988, the United Nations agreed that Palestine was a country. In September 2011, Palestine asked to join the United Nations as a full member. But in November 2012, the United Nations gave Palestine a special status called “non-member observer state.” This let Palestine join important United Nations groups.

In May 2024, the United Nations said Palestine met the rules to join as a full member but needed approval again. The United Nations also gave Palestine more rights, like sitting with member countries, but still not the right to vote.

Application for UN membership

Main article: Palestine 194

After talks with Israel stopped, Palestine began asking countries to recognize it as a country. This started in 2009 and got attention in September 2011 when Palestine asked the United Nations to make it a member. To join, Palestine needed most countries to agree.

Because the United States said no, Palestine asked to be a “non-member state” instead. This needed just a majority of countries to agree.

Many countries supported Palestine, but some, like Israel, the United States, Germany, and Canada, said no. Still, many others, like Russia and Norway, supported Palestine.

Non-member observer state status

Further information: United Nations General Assembly resolution 67/19

In 2012, Palestine asked to change its status to “non-member observer state.” On November 29, 2012, the United Nations agreed. This gave Palestine rights like joining treaties and international courts. After this, Palestine started calling itself the “State of Palestine” in official documents.

Renewed membership efforts and additional rights at the UN

The effort to become a full United Nations member started again in 2024. The United Nations Security Council voted, but the United States said no. In May 2024, the United Nations said Palestine met the rules to join and gave it more rights at the United Nations, like sitting with member countries, but still not the right to vote.

States that recognize Palestine

UN member states

Many countries around the world have recognized the State of Palestine. As of September 2025, 157 countries that belong to the United Nations have done so.

Non-UN member states

Name	Date of recognition	Diplomatic relations	Relevant membership, further details
Algeria	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, African Union (AU), OIC; Algeria–Palestine relations
Bahrain	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, GCC, OIC; Bahrain–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the State of Bahrain.
Indonesia	15 November 1988	Yes	ASEAN, BRICS, G20, OIC; Indonesia–Palestine relations
Iraq	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, OIC; Iraq–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Ba'athist Iraqi Republic.
Kuwait	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, GCC, OIC; Kuwait–Palestine relations
Libya	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Libya–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
Malaysia	15 November 1988	Yes	ASEAN, OIC; Malaysia–Palestine relations
Mauritania	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC
Morocco	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Morocco–Palestine relations
Somalia	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Palestine–Somalia relations Further details Recognition extended by the Somali Democratic Republic.
Tunisia	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Palestine–Tunisia relations
Turkey	15 November 1988	Yes	G20, NATO, OIC, OTS; Palestine–Turkey relations
Yemen	15 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, OIC; Palestine–Yemen relations Further details Recognition extended by both Democratic Yemen and the Yemen Arab Republic, prior to Yemeni unification. In a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General sent just prior to unification, the Ministers of Foreign affairs of North and South Yemen stated: "All treaties and agreements concluded between either the Yemen Arab Republic or the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and other States and international organizations in accordance with international law which are in force on 22 May 1990 will remain in effect, and international relations existing on 22 May 1990 between the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and the Yemen Arab Republic and other States will continue."
Afghanistan	16 November 1988	Yes	OIC, SAARC; Afghanistan–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
Bangladesh	16 November 1988	Yes	OIC, SAARC; Bangladesh–Palestine relations
Cuba	16 November 1988	Yes	—, Cuba–Palestine relations
Jordan	16 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, OIC; Jordan–Palestine relations
Madagascar	16 November 1988	No	AU Further details Recognition extended by the Democratic Republic of Madagascar.
Nicaragua	16 November 1988	Yes	—
Pakistan	16 November 1988	Yes	OIC, SAARC; Pakistan–Palestine relations
Qatar	16 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, GCC, OIC; Palestine–Qatar relations
Saudi Arabia	16 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, G20, GCC, OIC; Palestine–Saudi Arabia relations
United Arab Emirates	16 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, BRICS, GCC, OIC; Palestine–United Arab Emirates relations
Serbia	16 November 1988	Yes	—, Palestine–Serbia relations Further details Recognition extended by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). Although the UN did not recognize the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (later renamed Serbia and Montenegro, itself to be succeeded by Serbia in 2006) as its exclusive successor, it claimed to be such and pledged to adhere to all ratifications, signatures and recognitions conducted by the SFRY.
Zambia	16 November 1988	Yes	AU
Albania	17 November 1988	Yes	NATO, OIC; Albania–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.
Brunei	17 November 1988	Yes	ASEAN, OIC; Brunei–Palestine relations
Djibouti	17 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Djibouti–Palestine relations
Mauritius	17 November 1988	Yes	AU Further details Recognition extended by Mauritius as a Commonwealth realm.
Sudan	17 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Palestine–Sudan relations
Cyprus	18 November 1988	Yes	EU; Cyprus–Palestine relations Further details In January 2011, the Cypriot government reaffirmed its recognition of the Palestinian state in 1988. The government also added that any modifications to the borders from 1967 onwards would not be acknowledged until both countries reached a consensus.
Czech Republic (disputed)	18 November 1988	Yes	EU, NATO Further details The Czech Republic's predecessor, Czechoslovakia, recognized Palestine on 18 November 1988. The Czech government denies that it recognizes Palestine, arguing that its predecessor never formally recognized Palestine and that Palestine never met the formal conditions of statehood. Since the 2010s, the Czech government has repeatedly reiterated its non-recognition of a Palestinian state, as recently as 2025. However, certain academics and politicians contend that the Czech Republic continues to recognize Palestine.
Slovakia	18 November 1988	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Slovakia relations Further details Slovakia's predecessor, Czechoslovakia, recognized Palestine on 18 November 1988. Following its dissolution, Slovakia reaffirmed its recognition of Palestine in 1993.
Egypt	18 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, BRICS, OIC; Egypt–Palestine relations
Gambia	18 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
India	18 November 1988	Yes	BRICS, G20, SAARC; India–Palestine relations
Nigeria	18 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC; Nigeria–Palestine relations
Seychelles	18 November 1988	Yes	AU
Sri Lanka	18 November 1988	Yes	SAARC; Palestine–Sri Lanka relations
Namibia	19 November 1988	Yes	AU; Namibia–Palestine relations Further details Namibia was established by the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which recognized the State of Palestine during its time as a UN observer entity.
Russia	19 November 1988	Yes	BRICS, CSTO, G20, UNSC (permanent); Palestine–Russia relations Further details Recognition extended as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. President Dmitry Medvedev reconfirmed the position in January 2011.
Belarus	19 November 1988	Yes	CSTO; Belarus–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended as the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. Belarus is the legal successor of the Byelorussian SSR and in the Constitution it states, "Laws, decrees and other acts which were applied in the territory of the Republic of Belarus prior to the entry into force of the present Constitution shall apply in the particular parts thereof that are not contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus."
Ukraine	19 November 1988	Yes	—, Palestine–Ukraine relations Further details Recognition extended as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, of which Ukraine is the legal successor. The modern republic continues all "rights and duties pursuant to international agreements of Union SSR which do not contradict the Constitution of Ukraine and interests of the Republic".
Vietnam	19 November 1988	Yes	ASEAN; Palestine–Vietnam relations
China	20 November 1988	Yes	BRICS, G20, UNSC (permanent); China–Palestine relations Further details Under the One China principle, the State of Palestine also recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of the Chinese state and does not recognize the legitimacy of the Republic of China on Taiwan.
Burkina Faso	21 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC; Burkina Faso–Palestine relations
Comoros	21 November 1988	Yes	Arab League, AU, OIC; Comoros–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Federal and Islamic Republic of the Comoros.
Guinea	21 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Guinea-Bissau	21 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Cambodia	21 November 1988	Yes	ASEAN Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of Kampuchea, the predecessor to modern Cambodia. Its civil-war rival, internationally recognized Democratic Kampuchea, announced its recognition three days prior.
Mali	21 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Mongolia	22 November 1988	Yes	— Further details Recognition extended by the Mongolian People's Republic.
Senegal	22 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Hungary (disputed)	23 November 1988	Yes	EU, NATO; Hungary–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Hungarian People's Republic and reaffirmed in 2011. Since 2024, the Hungarian government has opposed recognition of Palestinian statehood. Agence France-Presse and CNN exclude Hungary from their lists of states that recognize Palestine. However, certain sources contend that Hungary has not formally withdrawn its recognition of Palestine.
Cape Verde	24 November 1988	Yes	AU
North Korea	24 November 1988	Yes	—, North Korea–Palestine relations
Niger	24 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Romania	24 November 1988	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Romania relations Further details Recognition extended by the Socialist Republic of Romania.
Tanzania	24 November 1988	Yes	AU; Palestine–Tanzania relations
Bulgaria	25 November 1988	Yes	EU, NATO; Bulgaria–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of Bulgaria.
Maldives	28 November 1988	Yes	OIC, SAARC; Maldives–Palestine relations
Ghana	29 November 1988	Yes	AU; Ghana–Palestine relations
Togo	29 November 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Zimbabwe	29 November 1988	Yes	AU; Palestine–Zimbabwe relations
Chad	1 December 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Laos	2 December 1988	Yes	ASEAN
Sierra Leone	3 December 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Uganda	3 December 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Republic of the Congo	5 December 1988	Yes	AU Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of the Congo.
Angola	6 December 1988	Yes	AU Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of Angola.
Mozambique	8 December 1988	Yes	AU, OIC Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of Mozambique.
São Tomé and Príncipe	10 December 1988	Yes	AU
Gabon	12 December 1988	Yes	AU, OIC
Oman	13 December 1988	Yes	Arab League, GCC, OIC; Oman–Palestine relations
Poland	14 December 1988	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Poland relations Further details Recognition extended by the Polish People's Republic.
Democratic Republic of the Congo	18 December 1988	No	AU Further details Recognition extended by the Republic of Zaire, which was ruled by Mobutu Sese Seko until his removal in 1997 when the state was succeeded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the First Congo War.
Botswana	19 December 1988	Yes	AU
Nepal	19 December 1988	No	SAARC Further details Recognition extended by the Kingdom of Nepal.
Burundi	22 December 1988	No	AU
Central African Republic	23 December 1988	No	AU
Bhutan	25 December 1988	No	SAARC
Rwanda	2 January 1989	No	AU
Ethiopia	4 February 1989	Yes	AU, BRICS; Ethiopia–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Iran	4 February 1989	Yes	BRICS, OIC; Iran–Palestine relations Further details Some documents list the date of Iran's recognition as 4 February 1988, but this predates the PLO's declaration of independence on 15 November 1988.
Benin	12 May 1989	Yes	AU, OIC Further details Recognition extended by the People's Republic of Benin.
Kenya	12 May 1989	Yes	AU; Kenya–Palestine relations
Equatorial Guinea	May 1989	Yes	AU
Vanuatu	21 August 1989	Yes	MSG, PIF
Philippines	4 September 1989	Yes	ASEAN; Palestine–Philippines relations
Eswatini	1 July 1991	Yes	AU Further details Recognition extended as Swaziland.
Kazakhstan	6 April 1992	Yes	CSTO, OIC, OTS; Kazakhstan–Palestine relations
Azerbaijan	15 April 1992	Yes	OIC, OTS; Azerbaijan–Palestine relations
Turkmenistan	17 April 1992	Yes	OIC
Georgia	25 April 1992	Yes	—, Georgia–Palestine relations
Bosnia and Herzegovina	27 May 1992	Yes	Bosnia and Herzegovina–Palestine relations Further details Recognition extended by the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tajikistan	2 April 1994	Yes	CSTO, OIC
Uzbekistan	25 September 1994	Yes	OIC, OTS
Papua New Guinea (disputed)	4 October 1994	Yes	MSG, PIF Further details In July 2025, Agence France-Presse removed Papua New Guinea from its list of states recognizing Palestine based on comments it received from the Papua New Guinean foreign secretary and foreign minister. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Deutsche Welle exclude Papua New Guinea from their lists of states recognizing Palestine.
South Africa	15 February 1995	Yes	AU, BRICS, G20; Palestine–South Africa relations
Kyrgyzstan	November 1995	Yes	CSTO, OIC, OTS; Kyrgyzstan–Palestine relations
Malawi	23 October 1998	Yes	AU
Timor-Leste	1 March 2004	Yes	ASEAN
Paraguay	25 March 2005	Yes	Mercosur, OAS Further details On 28 January 2011, Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written reaffirmation of its government's recognition of the State of Palestine. The statement noted that the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two governments in 2005 had implied mutual recognition.
Montenegro	24 July 2006	Yes	NATO; Montenegro–Palestine relations
Costa Rica	5 February 2008	Yes	OAS
Lebanon	30 November 2008	Yes	Arab League, OIC; Lebanon–Palestine relations Further details Date given is that of first official recognition. In Palestine's application to UNESCO in May 1989, Lebanon was listed as having recognized the State of Palestine, but without a date. The list was submitted without objection from Lebanon, but later sources have shown that official recognition was not accorded until 2008. At that time, the Lebanese cabinet approved the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine, but did not set a date for when this was to occur. On 11 August 2011, the cabinet agreed to implement its earlier decision and Abbas formally inaugurated his government's embassy in Beirut on 16 August.
Ivory Coast	1 December 2008	Yes	AU, OIC
Venezuela	27 April 2009	Yes	—, Palestine–Venezuela relations
Dominican Republic	15 July 2009	Yes	OAS
Brazil	1 December 2010	Yes	BRICS, G20, Mercosur, OAS; Brazil–Palestine relations
Argentina	6 December 2010	Yes	G20, Mercosur, OAS; Argentina–Palestine relations
Bolivia	17 December 2010	Yes	Mercosur, OAS; Bolivia–Palestine relations
Ecuador	24 December 2010	Yes	OAS; Ecuador–Palestine relations
Chile	7 January 2011	Yes	OAS; Chile–Palestine relations
Guyana	13 January 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS, OIC
Peru	24 January 2011	Yes	OAS; Palestine–Peru relations
Suriname	26 January 2011	No	CARICOM, OAS, OIC
Uruguay	15 March 2011	Yes	Mercosur, OAS; Palestine–Uruguay relations
Lesotho	3 May 2011	Yes	AU
South Sudan	14 July 2011	Yes	AU
Syria	18 July 2011	Yes	Arab League, OIC; Palestine–Syria relations Further details Recognition extended by Ba'athist Syria.
Liberia	19 July 2011	No	AU
El Salvador	25 August 2011	Yes	OAS; El Salvador–Palestine relations
Honduras	26 August 2011	Yes	OAS; Honduras–Palestine relations
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	29 August 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Belize	9 September 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Dominica	19 September 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Antigua and Barbuda	22 September 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Grenada	25 September 2011	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Iceland	15 December 2011	Yes	EFTA, NATO; Iceland–Palestine relations
Thailand	18 January 2012	Yes	ASEAN; Palestine–Thailand relations
Guatemala	9 April 2013	No	OAS
Haiti	27 September 2013	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Sweden	30 October 2014	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Sweden relations
Saint Lucia	14 September 2015	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Colombia	3 August 2018	Yes	OAS
Saint Kitts and Nevis	29 July 2019	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Barbados	19 April 2024	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Jamaica	22 April 2024	No	CARICOM, OAS
Trinidad and Tobago	2 May 2024	Yes	CARICOM, OAS
Bahamas	7 May 2024	No	CARICOM, OAS
Ireland	28 May 2024	Yes	EU; Ireland–Palestine relations
Norway	28 May 2024	Yes	EFTA, NATO; Norway–Palestine relations
Spain	28 May 2024	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Spain relations
Slovenia	4 June 2024	Yes	EU, NATO; Palestine–Slovenia relations
Armenia	21 June 2024	Yes	CSTO; Armenia–Palestine relations
Mexico	5 February 2025	Yes	G20, OAS; Mexico–Palestine relations Further details Mexico was listed in documents circulated at the United Nations in 2024 as having recognized Palestine on 2 June 2023, the same date that the State of Palestine announced the conversion of its "Special Delegation" in Mexico into an "Embassy" without specifying whether that was by agreement with the Mexican government. The State of Palestine was reportedly soon added to a list of embassies in Mexico on a Mexican government website, and at least one source would later credit Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador with having affected the change. In a press release from 25 April 2024, the Mexican government stated that "Mexico has supported actions in several multilateral forums that have, among others, the legal effect of recognizing Palestine as a State.", and on 11 October 2024 Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said "we believe that the Palestinian State should be recognized in its full scope, just like the State of Israel." On 5 February 2025 Sheinbaum stated that "Mexico has had a position since years ago, not only of the governments of the Fourth Transformation, but it comes from before, of recognition of the State of Palestine and at the same time of the State of Israel. So that is the policy of the Mexican government of years ago and of now." Some media outlets reported that Mexico recognized Palestine on 19 March 2025 in reference to the accreditation ceremony for the first Palestinian representative to Mexico under the title of "Ambassador".
Canada	21 September 2025	No	G7, G20, NATO, OAS; Canada–Palestine relations
Australia	21 September 2025	No	G20, PIF; Australia–Palestine relations
United Kingdom	21 September 2025	Yes	G7, G20, NATO, UNSC (permanent); Palestine–United Kingdom relations
Portugal	21 September 2025	No	EU, NATO; Palestine–Portugal relations
France	22 September 2025	Yes	EU, G7, G20, NATO, UNSC (permanent); France–Palestine relations
Monaco	22 September 2025	No	—
Luxembourg	22 September 2025	Yes	EU, NATO; Luxembourg–Palestine relations
Malta	22 September 2025	Yes	EU; Malta–Palestine relations Further details While Malta was listed as having recognized Palestine on 16 November 1988 in documents circulated by the United Nations, they only acknowledged "the right of the Palestinian people to establish a sovereign state" at that time.
Andorra	22 September 2025	No	—
San Marino	23 September 2025	Yes	—

Name	Date of recognition	Diplomatic relations	Relevant membership, further details
Sahrawi Republic	15 November 1988	No	AU; Palestine–Sahrawi Republic relations Further details Palestine does not recognize the Sahrawi Republic.
Holy See	February 2013	Yes	—, Holy See–Palestine relations

States that do not recognize Palestine

UN member states

Some countries do not recognize Palestine as a country. These countries have their own reasons for this decision.

Non-UN member states

Some areas that are not full United Nations (UN) member states also do not recognize Palestine. Each of these areas makes its own choices about which countries it recognizes.

Name	Official position	Relations	Relevant memberships
Austria	Austria conferred full diplomatic status on the PLO representation in Vienna on 13 December 1978, under then-chancellor Bruno Kreisky. In June 2011, Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said that Austria "had not yet made up its mind whether to support a UN recognition of a Palestinian state", adding that he preferred to wait for a joint EU approach to the issue. He said: "We will decide at the last moment because it might still give [the two parties] the opportunity to bring the Middle East peace process back on track." Spindelegger also suggested that the EU draft its own version of the resolution. Further details Austria was initially listed as having recognized the State of Palestine on 14 December 1988, in documents submitted to UNESCO in 1989 supporting to Palestine's application for membership. However, the submitting states (Algeria, Indonesia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal and Yemen) later requested that Austria be removed from the list.	Yes	EU; Austria–Palestine relations
Belgium	In May 2024, Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib stated that recognition was not up for discussion, but it would not be granted at the time, while Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stressed that recognition was "symbolic" and would not have "any impact in the field". In July 2025, Belgium stated that it would determine its position on recognition in early September 2025. In August 2025, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the Federal Parliament that Belgium must recognize Palestine as soon as possible, warning that any delay would jeopardize the country's credibility in the two-state solution. On 1 September 2025, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced that Belgium will recognize Palestinian statehood at the 2025 UN General Assembly, provided that the last Israeli hostage has been released and Hamas "no longer exercises any form of governance over Palestine." On 22 September 2025, Prime Minister Bart De Wever declared that Belgium would not yet recognize Palestine de jure, reiterating the demands regarding Hamas.	Yes	EU, NATO; Belgium–Palestine relations
Cameroon	Cameroon officially supports a two-state solution. Although a member of the OIC, President Paul Biya has developed strong ties with Israel since the mid-1980s. This perceived friendship has soured the country's traditionally close ties with Arab states, many of whom have withdrawn longstanding economic development assistance and pressed Biya to support Palestinian interests. In August 2011, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu asked Biya to oppose the UN resolution that would admit Palestine as a member state.	Yes	AU, OIC
Croatia	Croatia formalized relations with the PLO on 31 March 2011. Former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor stated in 2011 that her government supported the co-existence of Israel and Palestine as two independent states; however, Croatia abstained during voting on upgrading Palestine to non-member observer state status in the UN and on admission of Palestine to UNESCO. Former Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusić stated on 24 October 2014 that "Croatia will most likely recognize Palestine soon". The Croatian government tends to favour Israel over Palestine as a commitment to the U.S., to whom Croatia is aligned, and the central quarters of the European Union of which Croatia has been a member since 2013. Croatia believes that if it were to recognize Palestine, this would frustrate its position with the EU and ties to the U.S., and also because the situation in the Middle East is complicated it feels there is no guarantee that there would be peace and further existence of the Jewish state if Israel eventually decides to withdraw from the occupied territories. In June 2025, President Zoran Milanović stated that Croatia should recognize Palestine. On 27 August 2025, Milanović declared that he will vigorously push for Croatia to recognize Palestine as soon as feasible within the bounds of his constitutional authority. He is also urging the government to start the process of recognizing Palestine in the Croatian Parliament. On 26 September 2025, a parliamentary motion to recognise Palestine, introduced by the political platform We Can!, was rejected by the governing majority led by the Croatian Democratic Union.	Yes	EU, NATO
Denmark	Danish Foreign Minister Lene Espersen met Abbas on 9 March 2011 to persuade him to return to negotiating with Israel. Espersen also extended Danish support to Palestinian national development. During the campaign for the 2011 elections, the largest opposition party argued that Denmark should recognize the State of Palestine. Foreign Minister Lene Espersen warned that such a unilateral decision could have "more negative than beneficial" consequences, and stressed the need to co-ordinate policy with the EU. In December 2014, a bill that called on Denmark to recognize Palestine as a state was rejected in the Danish parliament. In July 2025, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen responded to the planned recognition of Palestine by France, stating that Denmark preferred such recognition to stem from a negotiated two-state solution or a coordinated EU effort. In August 2025, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Denmark would not recognize Palestine at this time because "it will not help the thousands of children who are currently fighting for their survival, no matter how much we might wish it." On 22 September 2025, Rasmussen stated Denmark would recognise Palestine after several conditions are met, including all hostages being released, disarming of Hamas, reforming of the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas having no role in the governance of Gaza in the future.	Yes	EU, NATO; Denmark–Palestine relations
Eritrea	Eritrea is one of only two African countries that do not recognize Palestine, the other being Cameroon. In October 2010, President Isaias Afewerki stated, "Israel needs a government, we must respect this. The Palestinians also need to have a dignified life, but it can not be the West Bank or Gaza. A two-state solution will not work. It's just to fool people. Israelis and Palestinians living in the same nation will never happen for many reasons. One option that may work is a Transjordan. Israel may be left in peace and the Palestinian and Jordanian peoples are brought together and can create their own nation." In his address to the UN General Assembly in 2011, Isaias stated that "Eritrea reaffirms its long-standing support to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent, sovereign state. It also upholds the right of Israel to live in peace and security within internationally recognized boundaries." On 29 November 2012, Eritrea voted in favour of a resolution to make Palestine a non-member observer state at the UN. On 23 September 2024, the Minister for Foreign affairs H. E. Osman Saleh emphasized the Palestinians' right to self-determination. On 19 January 2025, the Ministry of Information released a press statement welcoming a ceasefire in the Gaza war implemented that day.	Yes	AU
Estonia	During a meeting with Riyad al-Malki in June 2010, Minister Urmas Paet said the country approved an agreement between the two countries and "self-determination for Palestine". Officials stated that the government would not adopt a position regarding the UN bid until the final wording of the resolution was published. On 30 July 2025, Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal emphasized that Estonia has no plans to recognize Palestine.	Yes	EU, NATO
Fiji	Fijian policy on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is largely based on UN resolutions.	No	MSG, PIF
Finland	Finland supports a two-state solution to the conflict. In 2025, President Alexander Stubb stated that he is willing to approve recognition of Palestine if the government presses forward with such a proposal. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Finland is not preparing to recognize Palestine. In September 2025, he announced a set of conditions before recognition would be implemented.	Yes	EU, NATO; Finland–Palestine relations
Germany	In April 2011, Chancellor Angela Merkel labelled the Palestinian bid for recognition a "unilateral step", and stated unequivocally that Germany will not recognize a Palestinian state without its prior acceptance by Israel, "Unilateral recognitions therefore definitely do not contribute to achieving this aim ... This is our stance now and it will be our stance in September. There needs to be mutual recognition, otherwise it is not a two-state solution." She also reaffirmed her government's commitment to see an agreement reached as soon as possible, "We want a two-state solution. We want to recognize a Palestinian state. Let us ensure that negotiations begin. It is urgent." In August 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would not recognize Palestine as it does not "see the requirements met". Further details The German Democratic Republic recognized the State of Palestine on 18 November 1988, but it later unified with the Federal Republic of Germany and the current government does not recognize it.	Yes	EU, G7, G20, NATO; Germany–Palestine relations
Greece	Under previous governments, Greece garnered a reputation as a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause. Within the wider Arab–Israeli conflict, Andreas Papandreou maintained a stronger stand against Israel than any other government in the European Community. Diplomatic relations were founded with the PLO in 1981, while relations with Israel were maintained only at the consular level until Greece's formal recognition of Israel in 1990 under Konstantinos Mitsotakis. Since the formation of current foreign policy under George Papandreou, Greece has seen a rapid improvement in relations with Israel, leading the media to mark the conclusion of Greece's pro-Palestinian era. In December 2015, Greece's parliament voted in favour of a motion requesting that the government recognize Palestine. On 7 September 2025, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared that Greece will recognize Palestinian statehood at the right time.	Yes	EU, NATO; Greece–Palestine relations
Israel	See above	Yes
Italy	In May 2011, at an event in Rome celebrating Israel's independence, then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi pledged his country's support to Israel. In June, he reiterated Italy's position against unilateral actions on either side of the conflict, stressing that "peace can only be reached with a common initiative through negotiations". This position was shared by parliamentarians, who drafted a letter to the UN stating that "a premature, unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood would ... undermine rather than resolve the Israeli–Palestinian peace process". Nevertheless, Italy upgraded the diplomatic status of the Palestinian delegation in Rome to a mission, similarly to what other EU countries were doing, giving the head of the delegation ambassadorial status. On 31 October 2011, Italy did not oppose Palestine's UNESCO membership bid. On 29 November 2012, Italy voted in favour of UN Resolution 67/19, giving Palestine a non-member observer state status at the UN. Italy's opposition to unilateral actions was reiterated on 21 December 2017, when it voted in favour of a UN draft resolution calling on all countries to comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the status of Jerusalem, following the decision by the U.S. to move its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to the city. In July 2025, both Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy was not ready to recognize Palestine and that such a move would be counterproductive. In September 2025, Meloni stated that Italy would recognize Palestine, given that all Israeli hostages are released and Hamas is excluded from the Palestinian government.	Yes	EU, G7, G20, NATO; Italy–Palestine relations
Japan	Japan supports a two-state solution to the conflict, and supports the establishment of a Palestinian state. In October 2007, a Japanese Justice Ministry official said: "Given that the Palestinian Authority has improved itself to almost a full-fledged state and issues its own passports, we have decided to accept the Palestinian nationality." The Japanese government declared that it would not recognize any act that would jeopardize a Palestinian state with the pre-1967 borders nor the annexation of East Jerusalem by Israel. Japan voted favourably for the UN General Assembly resolution to accord Palestine non-member observer state status in the UN in November 2012, and since then has referred to the country as "Palestine". Japan voted for Palestine’s full UN membership bid at the Security Council in April 2024. In August 2024, a Japanese official stated that the country was considering recognition. On 30 July 2025, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that, in contrast to France, Japan requires additional time before recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state; however, he reaffirmed Japan's continued commitment to a two-state solution. On 22 September 2025, Iwaya stated that Japan's recognition of Palestine as a state is a matter of "when" rather than "if".	Yes	G7, G20; Japan–Palestine relations
Kiribati	During the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in early September 2011, the foreign minister of Kiribati reportedly expressed support for the Palestinian position.	No	PIF
Latvia	Latvia supports a two-state solution to the conflict and provides development assistance to the Palestinian National Authority. In July 2025, the Latvian foreign ministry reiterated that there were no plans to recognize Palestine.	Yes	EU, NATO
Liechtenstein	Liechtenstein relies on Switzerland to carry out most of its foreign affairs. In January 2011, it co-sponsored a draft resolution guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and stated that this right must be exercised with a view to achieving a viable and fully sovereign Palestinian state. In September 2025, Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni stated that Palestine fundamentally met the requirements for statehood.	No	EFTA
Lithuania	Lithuania supports a two-state solution including an independent Palestinian state. In 2011, Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis called for a strong, unanimous European position that encouraged both parties to resume peace talks. In August 2025, a senior advisor to President Gitanas Nausėda stated that "at this time, the question of recognising Palestine is not on our agenda".	Yes	EU, NATO; Lithuania–Palestine relations
Marshall Islands	The Marshall Islands has, like the U.S., long been a close voting ally of Israel at the UN. In December 2017, the Marshall Islands was one of just nine countries (including the U.S. and Israel) to vote against a motion adopted by the UN General Assembly condemning the U.S.'s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital city. Additionally, it was one of only five countries (the others being Israel, the U.S., Micronesia, and Nauru) to oppose a UN draft resolution in November 2020 on the creation of a Palestinian state.	No	PIF
Federated States of Micronesia	The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a consistent supporter of Israel, especially in international resolutions, though this is due in part to its association with the U.S. Former FSM President Manny Mori said that the relationship goes back to 1986, when Israel made "[an] early decision to support Micronesia's membership in the UN". During the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in September 2011, the leader of the Micronesian delegation reportedly stated his country's solidarity with the Palestinian people's suffering and support for their right to self-determination. Regarding the PNA's endeavour to gain admission to the UN, the official stated that the agreements signed with the U.S. prevented the FSM from voting according to its government's wishes in cases where they conflicted with those of the U.S. In reference to Israel's continued development assistance to Micronesians, another diplomat noted, "We need Israeli expertise, so I don't see a change in our policy anytime soon."	No	PIF
Moldova	On 27 May 2024, Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi reaffirmed support of Moldova for the two-state solution; however, he also stated that there was no internal consensus on recognizing the State of Palestine.	Yes
Myanmar	Myanmar is one of only two Asian members of the Non-Aligned Movement that has not recognized the State of Palestine, alongside Singapore. Former foreign affairs minister Win Aung stated in 2000 that Myanmar supports a two-state solution within internationally recognized borders.	No	ASEAN
Nauru	During the Pacific Islands Forum in early September 2011, Foreign Affairs Minister Kieren Keke confirmed his nation's solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. The PNA's foreign ministry published a statement prior to the summit claiming that most Pacific island nations would vote against a UN resolution regarding the Palestinian state.	No	PIF
Netherlands	The Netherlands supports a two-state solution, with the recognition of Palestine as a state seen as contingent upon successful negotiations that ensure the security and mutual recognition of both states. In August 2025, the Dutch foreign minister stated "The Netherlands is not planning to recognise a Palestinian state at this time."	Yes	EU, NATO; Netherlands–Palestine relations
New Zealand	New Zealand supports a two-state solution to the peace process. It also maintains a policy of tacit rather than explicit recognition of new states. For Palestine, this would mean upgrading its accredited delegation to a diplomatic status. In early September 2011, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said that the government would not make a decision until the wording of the resolution was released. "We've got a reputation for being fair minded and even handed on this matter and all we can do is wait to see the words. He also told Riyad al-Malki that his country had refused to give Israel any pledges to refuse to vote in favor of the draft resolution. Since 2017, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had reiterated her support for a two-state solution and opposition to settler expansions. On 26 September 2025, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand was not ready to recognize a Palestinian state stating it did not meet the minimum criteria of statehood.	Yes	PIF; New Zealand–Palestine relations
North Macedonia	North Macedonia is one of the few countries with no political or diplomatic relations with Palestine, of any kind. Whilst he was Foreign Minister, Nikola Poposki stated that the country's position will be built in accordance with the views of the European Union and its strategic partners.	No	NATO
Palau	Palau is one of four countries (alongside the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Nauru) that has almost always voted with the U.S. in bills at the UN. Palau, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and the U.S. make up the Compact of Free Association, which some observers have suggested amounts to "checkbook diplomacy", whereby the U.S. bought the tiny island states' votes for cash. When the UN overwhelmingly voted to condemn Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the U.S. embassy there, Palau was one of only nine countries to support the move.	No	PIF
Panama	Panama has not indicated its position regarding a vote on statehood, and is reported to be undecided on the matter. President Ricardo Martinelli has a record of supporting Israel in UN resolutions, and has reportedly resisted pressure from other Latin American governments to recognize Palestine. The Central American Integration System (SICA) was expected to adopt a joint position on the issue at its summit on 18 August, but Panama insisted that discussion should retain a regional focus and the matter was not included on the final agenda. In early September, Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez said that the government's decision would not be made public until its vote is cast, but added, "It is very important that the birth of this country and its recognition in the international forum is previously accompanied by a full peace agreement with its neighbour, Israel." On 4 July 2015, Panama's Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel De Saint Malo de Alvarado said that her government is looking at ways to recognize the State of Palestine without affecting their "close relationship" with Israel.	No	OAS
Samoa	In 2010, Prime Minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi expressed support for a two-state solution to the conflict.	No	PIF
Singapore	Singapore has not recognized the State of Palestine. The island state has a strong relationship with Israel; however, Singapore established a representative office in Ramallah as a move to improve coordination of capacity-building initiatives and fortify relations with the Palestinian National Authority. On 2 July 2024, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore could recognize Palestine if it in turn accepted Israel's right to exist. In July 2025, Singapore announced that it was "prepared in principle" to recognize Palestine. On 22 September 2025, Balakrishnan declared that Singapore will recognize Palestine once it has a competent administration, supports Israel's right to exist, and abandons terrorism.	Yes	ASEAN
Solomon Islands	Foreign Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka met Riyad al-Malki in early September 2011 at the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in Wellington. Agovaka reportedly confirmed his government's support of Palestinian efforts at the UN, and that possible recognition of the State of Palestine would be considered in the next cabinet meeting.	No	PIF
South Korea	The government of South Korea does not recognize the State of Palestine; however, it has a representative office in Ramallah. South Korea voted for Palestine’s full UN membership bid at the Security Council in April 2024.	Yes	G20; Palestine–South Korea relations
Switzerland	Switzerland does not recognize Palestine as an independent state but voted in favour of granting it a non-member observer status at the UN in November 2014. Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga voiced her support for a two-state solution in 2015, saying: "Switzerland has worked for years for a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Our aim is to achieve peace." On April 28, 2026, in Switzerland’s National Council, most conservatives and centrists rejected recognizing State of Palestine over neutrality and mediation concerns, while left-leaning lawmakers supported recognition as a step toward a two-state solution.	Yes	EFTA; Palestine–Switzerland relations
Tonga	In September 2011, following the summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in Wellington, the PNA's foreign ministry noted that it had made significant strides in its efforts to attain recognition from Tonga.	No	PIF
Tuvalu	On 10 September 2015, the UN General Assembly passed a Palestinian resolution to allow its flag to fly in front of the UN headquarters in New York. The vote was passed with 119 votes in support, 8 opposing, and 45 abstentions. Tuvalu was one of the eight opposing votes.	No	PIF
United States	In September 2011, President Barack Obama declared U.S. opposition to the bid in his speech to the General Assembly, saying that "genuine peace can only be realized between Israelis and Palestinians themselves", and that "[u]ltimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians – not us – who must reach an agreement on the issues that divide them". Obama told Abbas that the U.S. would veto any UN Security Council move to recognize Palestinian statehood. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden have maintained that UNSC veto policy. In August 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed that the U.S. would not recognize Palestine, stating: "I don't know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there."	Yes	G7, G20, NATO, OAS, UNSC (permanent); Palestine–United States relations

Name	Official position	Relations	Relevant memberships
Kosovo		No
Sovereign Military Order of Malta	The Order of Malta has relations at ambassador level with the Palestinian Authority.	Yes
Republic of China (Taiwan)	Taiwan does not recognise the State of Palestine, while the government of Taiwan is "closely monitoring the latest developments on the issue" and calls on "all parties to show self-restraint ... and resolve differences through ongoing communication". On 22 September 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticised a map released by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine colouring the island of Taiwan as "recognised", which suggested that Taiwan is part of China, and said that Taiwan "has no immediate plan to recognise a Palestinian state". MOFA also cited a strategic partnership between China and Palestine, in which Palestine affirmed that Taiwan is an "inalienable part of China's territory."	No	Palestine–Taiwan relations

Multilateral treaties

The State of Palestine has joined many international agreements. These agreements are kept by five places: the United Kingdom, UNESCO, the UN, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Palestine joined UNESCO in 2011/2012. Later, in 2014, Palestine joined other agreements when talks with Israel were not moving forward.

Israel said in 2014 that they did not think Palestine was a real country. Because of this, Israel did not accept Palestine joining some agreements. The U.S. and Canada agreed with Israel.

Palestine helped create the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Palestine voted for it when it was officially made on July 7, 2017.