Several Countries Plan Palestinian State Recognition as Germany Demands Progress

Several countries, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Malta, and Portugal, have announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the 80th UN General Assembly in September as part of efforts to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb expressed readiness to approve recognition if proposed by his government, while acknowledging domestic opposition and calling for open debate. Meanwhile, Germany maintains that recognition of a Palestinian state should be one of the final steps in a negotiated two-state solution and warns against unilateral actions, emphasizing the need to start negotiations now. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also highlighted Germany’s concern about Hamas’s influence and called for the release of hostages and disarmament before progress can be made. The differing approaches reflect a broader international debate between advancing recognition as leverage for peace and cautioning against moves that could undermine negotiations and security. Israel has condemned unilateral recognition efforts, viewing them as rewards for Hamas and detrimental to ceasefire and hostage release efforts.