Mapping Which Countries Recognise Palestine in 2024


As of 2024, the State of Palestine is recognised by 143 countries globally. This year, Norway, Spain, and Ireland joined this list, signaling a significant diplomatic shift.

Recent Recognitions and Diplomatic Repercussions

Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their formal recognition of Palestine on Tuesday. This prompted immediate reactions from Israel, which recalled its envoys to Ireland and Norway for "urgent consultations." Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel would not remain silent and also threatened to withdraw the Israeli ambassador from Spain.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich further escalated tensions by halting the transfer of tax funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank under international law. This move underscores the ongoing complexities and contentious nature of Palestinian state recognition.

Growing Support in Europe and Beyond

The announcements by Norway, Spain, and Ireland reflect a broader trend in Europe, where countries like Slovenia, Malta, and Belgium are also considering recognizing Palestinian statehood. Currently, in addition to Norway, Ireland, and Spain, nine other European countries recognize Palestine.

UN General Assembly Vote and Global Support

This month, 143 out of the 193 United Nations General Assembly members voted in favor of Palestine joining the UN, an achievement only states can attain. Most Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries recognize Palestinian statehood, while major nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many Western European states do not.

Countries Recognizing Palestine in 2024

In addition to Norway, Spain, and Ireland, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados recognized Palestine this year.

Historical Recognitions from 2011 to 2023

The momentum for recognizing Palestine has been building over the past decade. Key recognitions include:

  • 2023: Mexico
  • 2019: Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • 2018: Colombia
  • 2015: Saint Lucia
  • 2014: Sweden (first Western European country)
  • 2013: Guatemala, Haiti, the Vatican
  • 2012: Thailand
  • 2011: Chile, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Lesotho, South Sudan, Syria, Liberia, El Salvador, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Iceland

Recognition from 2000 to 2010

The early 2000s saw several countries recognizing Palestine amid significant political developments, including the second Intifada and the failed implementation of the Oslo Accords. Key recognitions during this period include:

  • 2010: Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador

Recognition from 1989 to 1999

The 1990s, marked by the Oslo Accords, saw significant international engagement and recognitions. Nations that recognized Palestine during this period include:

  • 1998: Malawi
  • 1995: South Africa, Kyrgyzstan
  • 1994: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea
  • 1992: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • 1991: Eswatini
  • 1989: Rwanda, Ethiopia, Iran, Benin, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Vanuatu, Philippines

Recognition in 1988

The year 1988 was pivotal, with Yasser Arafat proclaiming Palestine as an independent state. Recognitions followed from a wide array of countries, many from the former Soviet bloc. Notable recognitions in 1988 include:

  • 1988: Algeria, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Jordan, Madagascar, Malta, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Zambia, Albania, Brunei, Djibouti, Mauritius, Sudan, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Egypt, The Gambia, India, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Namibia, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, Burkina Faso, Comoros, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cambodia, Mali, Mongolia, Senegal, Hungary, Cape Verde, North Korea, Niger, Romania, Tanzania, Bulgaria, Maldives, Ghana, Togo, Zimbabwe, Chad, Laos, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Republic of Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Oman, Poland, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Nepal, Burundi, Central African Republic, Bhutan, Western Sahara

Conclusion

The recognition of Palestine continues to be a dynamic and evolving issue on the global stage. With 143 countries now acknowledging Palestinian statehood, the movement for Palestinian self-determination is gaining significant international momentum. As more nations consider their stance on this issue, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Palestinian statehood is likely to see further developments.

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