Monaco, Luxembourg, Malta, and Belgium officially recognised the State of Palestine on September 22, during a high-level conference held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The announcement came as part of a broad diplomatic push involving France, Andorra, and several other nations, to reaffirm and accelerate international support for a two-state solution amid the escalating war in Gaza.
In his address, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden described his country’s recognition as “a beginning of renewed commitment to hope,” emphasising diplomacy, dialogue, and coexistence as essential steps toward peace. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the recognition as “historic,” calling it a reaffirmation of his country’s belief in peace, justice, and the right of Palestinians to self-determination. Monaco’s Prince Albert II affirmed that his principality would recognise Palestine under international law, and reiterated support both for Israel’s secure borders and Palestine’s right to sovereignty. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever also declared recognition, framing it as alignment with long-standing support in Belgium for a negotiated two-state settlement.
The collective move came amid growing European pressure on Israel and increasing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as well as demands for stronger diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Observers see the recognitions as largely symbolic—but potentially impactful in shifting diplomatic momentum, reinforcing Palestine’s claims to statehood, and possibly influencing the framework or leverage for future peace negotiations.
Belgium’s recognition is reported to come with certain political conditions: De Wever noted that legal recognition may hinge on factors like the release of hostages and changes in Palestinian governance. Meanwhile, Luxembourg, Monaco and Malta did not publicly attach similar conditions in their statements at the summit.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video link because he was denied a U.S. visa, welcomed the recognitions as “historic” and called on states that have not yet done so to follow suit. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the view that Palestinian statehood is a right, not a reward, urging all parties to move beyond symbolic acts toward concrete measures that ensure peace, security, and humanitarian relief for civilians.
