Several Western countries which have not previously recognized a Palestinian state announced Wednesday that they are positively considering changing their position ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York this September.
In a statement released by the foreign ministers of these countries, they noted that their nations are considering recognition "as an essential step toward a two-state solution." The ministers invited additional countries to join them.
The statement was signed, among others, by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Portugal, Andorra and San Marino, all of whom had not yet recognized a Palestinian state. Alongside them are also signed the foreign ministers of countries that have already recognized Palestine, such as Iceland, Ireland and Spain. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Malta announced that his country would recognize a Palestinian state.
The foreign ministers' statement opened with a condemnation of the October 7 Hamas attack, which they called "antisemitic and terrorist." They went on to call for an immediate cease-fire, which would include the release of all hostages held by Hamas and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid. The ministers also urged world nations to establish diplomatic relations with Israel and "express their desire to discuss its integration into the region."
