State of Palestine

The State of Palestine (Arabic: دولة فلسطين) was declared on 15 November 1988 in the city of Algiers by the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The territory it claims consists of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip — lands occupied by Israel since 1967. Jerusalem is designated as the constitutional capital, while Ramallah serves as the actual administrative center.

The status of the State of Palestine reflects a gap between international recognition and actual control on the ground. As of September 2025, 157 of the 193 members of the United Nations (about 81%) recognize Palestine, but effective administration is limited to parts of the West Bank, while Gaza has been under Hamas control since 2007.

United Nations Status

On 29 November 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 67/19, granting Palestine the status of a "non-member observer state," equivalent to the status held by the Vatican. The vote was 138 in favor, 9 against, and 41 abstentions. Israel stated that the resolution did not create Palestinian statehood.

On 10 May 2024, a special emergency session adopted resolution ES-10/23 (143 in favor, 9 against, 25 abstentions). The resolution granted Palestine additional rights effective 10 September 2024 — such as being seated alphabetically and being able to introduce proposals — but did not grant voting rights. It also called on the Security Council to favorably reconsider full membership. Full membership requires a Security Council recommendation, where the United States has consistently used its veto power.

Recognition and Developments, 2024–2025

Within weeks of the 1988 declaration, more than 70 countries — mostly Arab, African, and Asian states — recognized Palestine. A second wave occurred in 2024 and 2025, including several European countries. In September 2025, during the General Assembly session, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and other countries formally announced their recognition. Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council — China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — now recognize Palestine.

On 12 September 2025, the General Assembly adopted, by a vote of 142, a resolution endorsing the "New York Declaration" on the two-state solution; 10 countries voted against (including Israel), and 12 abstained. The resolution is non-binding and sets out a phased plan.

International Legal Rulings

On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, along with the settlement regime, annexation of land, and use of natural resources. The advisory opinion is not a binding judgment, but it carries weight in international legal debate.

Institutions and Leadership

The PLO is the legal body representing the State of Palestine, while the Palestinian Authority (PA) — established out of the Oslo Accords — administers day-to-day services in parts of the West Bank. Mahmoud Abbas has held the position of president since January 2005. On 26 April 2025, a newly created vice-presidential post was given to Hussein al-Sheikh, who also became deputy chairman of the PLO — a step seen as connected to succession planning.

Gaza and the Interim Arrangement

On 17 November 2025, the Security Council adopted resolution 2803 by a vote of 13 in favor (two abstentions — Russia and China), endorsing the "Comprehensive Plan to End the War in Gaza" of 29 September 2025. The resolution established a temporary body called the Board of Peace, required to submit a written report to the Security Council every six months. This arrangement has raised questions about its relationship to Palestinian administration and future statehood.