September 22, 2025 | 12:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Canada, Australia, and the UK have officially recognized Palestine as a state. These three nations, traditionally close allies of Israel, are now using this diplomatic leverage to pressure Israel to end its military operations in Gaza.
Their actions add to a growing list of countries that have granted recognition. According to NDTV, citing AFP, at least 145 of the 193 United Nations member states now recognize Palestine.
This group includes Russia, all Arab nations, nearly all countries in Africa and Latin America, and most Asian countries, such as India and China. Algeria was the first to formally recognize Palestine on November 15, 1988, shortly after the late Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally declared an independent state.
Several European countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta, are also expected to announce their recognition during the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, which began on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Countries That Have Not Recognized Palestine
However, a number of nations have yet to recognize Palestine. In Asia, the countries that do not are South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Other non-recognizing nations include Cameroon in Africa, Panama in Latin America, and most countries in Oceania.
The United States remains the most prominent nation that refuses to recognize a Palestinian state. The U.S. has even declined to issue visas for the Palestinian delegation to attend the UN session, leading to Palestinian President Abbas addressing the assembly via video link.
Singapore
Singapore's Minister for National Security Coordination, K. Shanmugam, has publicly explained his country's position. He stated, as reported by CNA, that direct recognition of the Palestinian state will not change "the facts on the ground."
Singapore fears that such an action could ultimately harm the Palestinian people. The country has, however, stated that it is prepared to recognize Palestine in principle but will do so at the right time.
Japan
Japan has no plans to grant recognition at the current UN meeting in New York. As reported by CNA, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated on Friday, September 19, 2025, that Japan will also recognize Palestine at the right time.
"I'm aware voices calling for the recognition as a state are getting louder in the international community as well as in Japan," Iwaya said at a press conference.
However, he added, "the government has a responsibility to look hard into what will really lead to a two-state solution and to make diplomatic efforts towards that direction." This indicates a cautious approach focused on the practicalities of a long-term resolution.
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