Growing momentum as nine countries recognize Palestine amid ongoing conflict

In 2024, amid Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, nine nations have formally acknowledged the sovereignty of the State of Palestine. This recognition increases Palestine's global visibility and positions it to hold Israeli authorities accountable for its actions in the occupied territories. The nations that made this decision include Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados. This significant uptick in recognition is also a reflection of growing international support for Palestinian rights, particularly the right to self-determination and independence, a sentiment that is emphasized each year on November 29 during the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which the United Nations established in 1977. The process of recognition for Palestine gained momentum from historical roots going back to the late 1980s. Initially proclaimed as a state by Yasser Arafat on November 15, 1988, Palestine received rapid acknowledgment from over 80 countries shortly thereafter, particularly from nations in the Global South such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Significant strides were made with the General Assembly's resolution in 2012, which elevated Palestine's status to that of a non-member observer state, further legitimizing its claim to statehood in the international arena. In recent years, several European countries have joined the ranks of those recognizing Palestinian statehood. On May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced they would officially recognize Palestine according to the pre-1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as its capital. This led to a diplomatic backlash from Israel, which responded by recalling its ambassadors from these countries and committing to expanding illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank as a form of reprisal. Subsequently, on June 4, Slovenia also initiated the recognition process, marking a growing trend among European nations towards supporting Palestine. The political landscape surrounding Palestine is further complicated by its relations with Western powers, particularly the G7 nations, none of which have recognized Palestinian statehood. This continuing state of non-recognition highlights the challenges Palestine faces in its pursuit of autonomy and self-determination, especially in negotiations regarding a two-state solution with Israel. The current geopolitical climate plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Palestine’s recognition on the global stage.