By Taghreed Saadeh
World leaders will convene next week in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will last several days and include speeches by around 150 heads of state or government, in addition to dozens of ministers and senior officials.
In this context, a proposal led by France and Saudi Arabia, supported by major Western countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, along with other European and Arab states, is set to be presented for the official recognition of the State of Palestine.
Ten days before the upcoming summit, which will be co-chaired by Paris and Riyadh on September 22, the General Assembly adopted the so-called “New York Declaration” by an overwhelming majority. The declaration outlines concrete, time-bound, and irreversible steps toward achieving a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, reflecting the international community’s commitment to advancing the peace process and providing tangible support to the Palestinian cause.
This summit marks the first time that a collective recognition of the State of Palestine will take place within the General Assembly itself, led by major Western countries that have historically been hesitant or supportive of Israel. The number of countries expected to recognize Palestine could exceed 150 out of 193 UN member states, strengthening calls for full UN membership and placing direct pressure on the Security Council, particularly the United States, which has previously used its veto to block such measures.
This recognition follows previous steps in 2024, when Spain, Norway, and Ireland recognized the State of Palestine on May 28, followed by Slovenia on June 5, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 148 out of 193. This collective move reflects a shift in Western positions and provides Palestine with political support not seen before.
The announcement by countries including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia of their intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the General Assembly constitutes a significant political and historic milestone. It goes beyond symbolism to establish a new reality in international politics, reinforces the international legitimacy of Palestinian self-determination, and adds legal and political weight to a long-awaited demand since the Palestinian declaration of independence in 1988.
Moreover, this recognition increases pressure on Israel to engage in genuine negotiations and strengthens the Palestinian position in international forums, including pursuing justice and accountability issues. It also sends a humanitarian message of solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of massacres, famine in Gaza, and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Next week’s UN General Assembly meeting represents a historic international event, combining major political recognition of the State of Palestine, support for a two-state solution, and the return of the Palestinian issue to the forefront of global attention. This sets the foundation for a new phase that could include ending the war in Gaza, the withdrawal of the Israeli army, and the full return of Palestinian Authority governance.
This step marks a milestone in international policy toward the Palestinian cause and reflects the international community’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit of an independent and just state.
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