On the Eve of Resuming the "Two-State Solution" Conference: 10 Countries Move to Recognize the State of Palestine

SadaNews - On the eve of the resumption of the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, led by Saudi Arabia and France, attention turns to 10 countries that have announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, bringing the total number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine to 159 out of 193 UN member states.

Foreign Minister and Expatriates Farcin Shaheen stated during a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Ramallah, on Sunday, that the United Kingdom, Portugal, Australia, and Canada will announce their recognition of the State of Palestine today, while other countries will recognize it later, namely: Luxembourg, San Marino, Belgium, Andorra, France, and Malta.

France

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a post published on the platform of the "X" company that he informed President Mahmoud Abbas during a phone call of his intention to recognize the State of Palestine on Monday.

On July 24, Macron confirmed in response to a letter sent to him by President Mahmoud Abbas that France would fully recognize the State of Palestine when he goes to the United Nations General Assembly next September.

The United Kingdom

On July 29, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country would recognize the State of Palestine in September unless the Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Starmer demanded in a statement issued by the British government at the time a ceasefire to end the slaughter in the Gaza Strip, and to allow the United Nations to continuously send humanitarian aid to the area to prevent famine.

Israel continues to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years, preventing aid from entering.

British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy affirmed on Sunday that recognition of the Palestinian state should be part of a broader peace process.

Lammy told Sky News, "Any step to recognize it stems from our desire to maintain the prospects for a two-state solution," adding that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would make a decision later on Sunday regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Canada

On July 31, President Mahmoud Abbas received a phone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who informed him that "his country would recognize the State of Palestine in September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly."

Carney also confirmed at the time that Canada "would continue to work with France, Britain, and partners in the international community to achieve peace in accordance with international law to implement the two-state solution.".

Australia

Also, on August 11, Australia announced that it would officially recognize the State of Palestine during the eighty session of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country "will recognize a Palestinian state during the eighty session of the UN General Assembly in September to contribute to the international momentum toward a two-state solution and a ceasefire in Gaza.".

Belgium

On September 2, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevo stated that his country "would recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.".

Prevo remarked in a post on the "X" platform that Belgium "would join those who signed the New York Declaration, paving the way for a two-state solution or a Palestinian state to coexist peacefully alongside Israel.".

Portugal

On Saturday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Lisbon "will officially recognize the State of Palestine on Sunday, prior to the UN General Assembly meeting.".

The ministry confirmed in a statement published on its website that "Portugal will recognize the State of Palestine, and the official recognition will be announced on Sunday, September 21.".

San Marino

On August 30, San Marinese Foreign Minister Luca Piccari announced "his country's intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the peace conference for the two-state solution scheduled to be held in New York.".

Piccari emphasized "the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including the future establishment of a San Marino embassy in Palestine.".

Andorra

France also announced that Andorra is among the countries that will recognize the State of Palestine, according to a previous announcement by the French president.

Malta

On Friday, the Maltese Deputy Foreign Minister delivered a message from Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela to the Palestinian Ambassador to his country, Fadi Hanania, stating that "his country will officially recognize a Palestinian state during the current UN General Assembly session.".

Abela had stated in a post on the "Facebook" platform in July that their position reflects their commitment to "efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.".

Luxembourg

On Friday, Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa also received a phone call from Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, in which he confirmed "his country’s intention to announce its recognition of the State of Palestine during the proceedings of the New York conference for the two-state solution, which will take place on Monday.".

The Luxembourg Prime Minister reiterated his country’s supportive stance towards Palestine's efforts to bring about peace and establish an independent sovereign Palestinian state.".