A Palestinian child stands in front of his home as three armed Israeli soldiers guard the area during the settlers' storming of the Old City of Hebron on September 13th, 2025. Photograph: Mosab Shawer/ Middle East Images/ AFP via Getty Images
As world leaders meet at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, with a ceasefire in Gaza top of the agenda, more countries are declaring their recognition of Palestine as a state.
The latest to do so are the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, joining the ranks of Ireland and the majority of the world.
More than 145 countries now recognise Palestine as a state to date – yet violations of international law, including war crimes and the crime of genocide, by Israel continue unchecked both in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
This recognition of Palestine as a state is a moral and legal obligation that is long overdue. But without real action and accountability, it risks being a dangerous distraction.
The lack of follow through and action to guarantee Palestinians right to determine their own future, to live in freedom, dignity and justice makes recognition meaningless.
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