Four Western powers recognise Palestinian state, Netanyahu says it 'will not happen'

Four Western powers recognise Palestinian state, Netanyahu says it 'will not happen'

• Sep 21, 2025, 5:16 AM

1 min de lecture

Portugal joined Britain, Canada and Australia in formally recognising the state of Palestine on Sunday in a major diplomatic shift ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the question of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be front and centre. Blasting the move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to expand settlement construction in the West Bank. Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded.

Today

Why recognise a Palestinian state?

France is set to officially recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations summit, joining countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which have already taken the step. The move is being framed as a symbolic gesture to support a t

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Italy cautious on Palestinian recognition as protests grow

On Monday, cities across Italy witnessed pro-Palestinian protests, strikes, and blockades, following union calls to “denounce the genocide in Gaza” and push for diplomatic and economic sanctions against Israel. Meanwhile, while neighbouring countries suc

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West embraces 'democratic Palestine alongside Israel, to bring stability & security to both peoples'

In a historic first, several major Western states are now formally recognizing a Palestinian state at what Dr. Julie Norman describes as a "crucial moment," one in which symbolism and strategy are increasingly intertwined. An Associate Professor of Polit

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Hope and fear in the occupied West Bank as Palestine gains recognition

In the occupied West Bank and Gaza, international recognition of Palestine has sparked a mix of hope and caution, as FRANCE 24's Catherine Norris Trent explains. On a diplomatic level, the move is seen as a significant gesture—a symbolic measure that cou

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Israel calls Palestine recognition 'absurd' and continues its expansion in the West Bank

On 21 September 2025, the UK, Australia, Canada, Portugal, and France officially recognised the State of Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as an 'absurd prize for terrorism' and approved the E1 West Bank settlement p

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France set to recognise Palestine at UN summit

France is set to recognise a Palestinian state on Monday at the UN, following the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. Macron said recognition is not conditional on hostage releases, though freedom is required before opening a Palestinian embassy. The mo

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What exactly is the state of Palestine?

🇵🇸 The state of #Palestine was declared on November 15, 1988, by Yasser Arafat, then leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. 🌍 Today it is recognised by more than 140 of the 193 🇺🇳 UN member states, with 🇫🇷 France, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada and 🇦🇺 A

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Israeli-Palestinian conflict: How the push for a two-state solution could backfire

France and Saudi Arabia on Monday are set to join a raft of nations in officially recognising the state of Palestine amid a renewed push for a two-state solution. But some analysts warn the effort could backfire, entrenching unequal rights for Palestinia

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French towns fly Palestinian flag despite government orders ahead of state recognition

Some French mayors have defied government orders and flown Palestinian flags on town halls, with more expected to follow suit as France prepares to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly. FRANCE 24's Antonia Kerriga

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Settler attacks escalate in West Bank village despite recognition of Palestine

In the occupied West Bank village of Al-Mughayyir, Palestinians face daily attacks from Israeli settlers and raids by the army. Residents report destroyed olive groves, stolen livestock, and restricted access to roads. Despite international recognition o

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Palestinian and Israeli flags projected onto the Eiffel Tower

The unannounced projection of the Palestinian and Israeli flags and a dove symbolising peace onto the Eiffel Tower in Paris began at 9pm and ran until 11:45pm local time.

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Western powers recognise Palestinian state, drawing Israeli fury

Britain, Australia, Canada and Portugal recognised Palestine on Sunday, a historic shift in Western policy that angered Israel. Palestinians in Gaza hailed it as a victory, while Netanyahu vowed a Palestinian state would never exist. FRANCE 24's Noga Tar

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Gaza: 'How can you talk of recognition when there's a genocide being committed against 2.3m people?'

A host of major Western countries are now recognising the State of Palestine, in a historic first. For in-depth analysis, Eve Irvine welcomes Chris Gunness, former spokesperson for UNRWA. Mr. Gunness warns that "it's just symbolic. How can you talk of re

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Live: France, several countries set to recognise Palestinian state at UN

France and Saudi Arabia will convene dozens of world leaders on Monday to rally support for a two-state solution, with several of them expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state – a move that could draw harsh Israeli and US responses. Follow our

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Al-Sharaa arrives in New York for first UN visit by a Syrian president in nearly six decades

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in New York on Sunday to attend the UN General Assembly, the first Syrian head of state to do so in nearly six decades. The last time a Syrian president addressed the gathering was in 1967, underscoring the visit’

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