Overview

• At a high-level UN gathering on September 22 in New York, France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco formally recognized the State of Palestine.
• Leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal made similar moves around the summit, signaling a shift among some Western allies of Israel.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the meeting that Palestinian statehood is a right rather than a reward, as France and Saudi Arabia co-convened the push for a phased two-state plan.
• The United States rejected the initiative and had earlier revoked visas for Palestinian Authority officials, leading Mahmoud Abbas to deliver remarks remotely.
• Israel’s leadership condemned the recognitions, while analysts noted the steps are largely symbolic because full UN membership still requires Security Council approval that Washington can veto; reporting counts 151 UN member states recognizing Palestine.