A protester holds a placard reading "Starvation is a war crime" as protesters gather during a demonstration in support of Palestinians at Amsterdam Central Station in Amsterdam, on July 24, 2025, as aid and human rights groups warn of "mass starvation" in the war-torn territory. AFP
Israel’s genocidal war and starvation policies in Gaza have sent shivers down the spines of millions around the world and reignited a momentum in several European countries to push leaders to recognise Palestinian statehood.
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Pressure on European governments to formally recognize a Palestinian state has intensified following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will do so at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. If enacted, France would become the first G7 country—and the 148th nation overall—to take such a step.
The move was welcomed across the Arab world, including by Egypt, Jordan, the Arab Gulf States, and the Palestinian presidency. Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, hailed France’s decision as “very significant,” noting its weight within the international community.
Momentum is growing across the continent. In the UK, Members of Parliament and broad segments of the public are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to follow France’s lead.
A parliamentary report released Friday called for immediate recognition, with Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Emily Thornberry writing, “The UK has missed multiple opportunities to act decisively in the past. We must not let another opportunity pass us by.”
More than 220 MPs, led by Labour’s Sarah Champion, have also signed a letter pressing the case, citing Britain’s historical role in the region.
“Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such recognition would give that position substance, as well as fulfil a historic responsibility to the people under that Mandate,” the letter reads.
So far, Downing Street has resisted these calls, maintaining that statehood should only be recognized “at the moment of attaining sovereignty.” Starmer was expected to join emergency talks with Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Across Europe, widespread outrage over the situation in Gaza continues to mount. Since October 2023, over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded, and the Israeli blockade on food and water has pushed the territory into a manufactured famine.
Public demonstrations and graphic images of emaciated Palestinians—particularly children—have renewed demands for political action. Médecins Sans Frontières warned Friday of “catastrophic levels of malnutrition,” reporting that one in four young children and pregnant women screened are malnourished.
Calls for an end to the war and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty have only grown louder since Israel and the US withdrew from ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
Earlier this month, France, the UK, Italy, and other Western states joined 23 European nations, along with Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, in calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
Yet despite widespread support for a two-state solution in principle, several major European powers remain hesitant to take the next diplomatic step.
Germany and Italy, both longtime proponents of the two-state framework, have reiterated that they support a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, but do not believe the timing is right for recognition.
A spokesperson for the German government stated Friday that Berlin considers recognition one of the final steps in the peace process, adding: “Israel's security is of paramount importance.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome cannot accept the “carnage and famine” in Gaza, but made clear that Italy would only recognize Palestine “at the same time as their recognition of the state of Israel.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the situation in Gaza as “dramatic,” noting that “no military action can justify attacks against civilians.”
Meanwhile, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pushed for more aggressive European Union (EU) action, including suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and banning imports from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. However, his proposals were rejected by the EU earlier this month.
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