Following the recent UN assembly, France becomes the latest in a line of countries recognizing the state of Palestine.  Prior to the meeting, the UK, Canada, and Australia also recently announced their recognition of the Palestinian state.  Many countries are reacting to the devastation the war between Gaza and Israel has caused by seeking the recognition of Palestine as a state.  However, reactions by the US and Israel are leading to complications.

Since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7th, which killed 1,195 people and 251 hostages were taken, Israel and Palestine have been in an ongoing struggle.  The war has seen a bombing campaign which resulted in the deaths of more than 65,000 Palestinians, as well as a consistent blockade of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine over the past two years. This intense conflict has seen push-back from many other countries, with recent examples being those who have chosen to recognize Palestine in an effort to create a two-state solution to the war.  However, this greatly contrasts the United States continuous backing of Israel, and the push-back of Israel itself.  The US has spent billions in weapons for the Israel – Gaza war.

What are World Leaders Saying?

Prior to the UN assembly last week, several other countries were announcing their recognition of Palestine’s statehood.  UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that to revive the hope of peace, the United Kingdom formally recognizes Palestinian statehood.  Similarly, Australia said on the Minister for Foreign Affairs site that, “Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognizes the independent and sovereign state of Palestine” (The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister Of Australia Sept. 21, 2025).  Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney announced Canada’s recognition as well, writing a scathing list of actions Israel has taken in Gaza, as to provide reasoning.  He later chose to add that writing Canada’s steadfast support for Israel’s people.  And, additionally Portugal has done so, with Portugal’s foreign affairs Minister, Paulo Rangel stating the urgency of a ceasefire and peace via a two state solution.

The UN Assembly

All of this being said, there is quite a lot more happening in light of the recent UN assembly. First and foremost is the decision of French President Emmanuel Macron to also recognize Palestine’s statehood.  He spoke on the 22nd of September, announcing to the world “I declare that today France recognizes the state of Palestine,” (Emmanuel Macron, Sept. 22, 2025). At time of writing, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco also recently took this step at the assembly.

More recently at the UN assembly, a statement was made by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.  He  addressed the occupation of Gaza and the war via a video link.  This is most likely due to being denied a visa by President Trump to attend the meeting in person.  As the US has stood with Israel, an allied country, for most of the war.  Abbas used this video to call out the prevention of humanitarian aid and the destruction of roughly 80% of hospitals, school, churches, mosques, facilities and infrastructure, and further decry the destruction of the Gaza strip.

So, What does this mean?  Well, the point in recognizing Palestinian statehood is reviving hope for a two-state solution and peace.  All of the leaders taking action recently have expressed this sentiment, and it would seem that hope for a free Palestine is attainable.  The only thing standing in the way is consistent opposition from Israel and the United States.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on the 21st of September, “there will be no Palestinian state,” (Benjamin Netanyahu, Sept. 21, 2025.) And the US only very recently, Sept. 25, 2025, has annexed Israels plans for the occupied West Bank.

So, it is surprising to see such recognition for the plight and struggle of the people of Palestine.  And recent news of Trump’s talks with other Middle Eastern leaders may amount to greatly-needed action and change.  As it is unprecedented for the US to go against the wishes of the Israeli government.  True work may be getting done soon.  And we are seeing the pressure being put on Israel, so we may see progress towards a free Palestine in the future.