U.S. calls recognition of Palestine symbolic gestures

22nd September 2025

1 minute read

U.S. calls recognition of Palestine symbolic gestures

The United States on Sunday described the decision of several of its key allies – including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada – to officially recognize the State of Palestine as a “symbolic gesture.”

Agence France-Presse quoted an unnamed State Department spokesperson as saying: “Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not symbolic gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of hostages, Israel’s security, and peace and prosperity for the entire region, which can only be achieved if it is free of Hamas.”

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced on Sunday their official recognition of the State of Palestine, on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This move represents a historic shift in the policies of countries traditionally aligned with Israel and comes nearly two years after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

The step sparked strong criticism in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a video message to the leaders of the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada: “There will be no Palestinian state.” Earlier that day, he had vowed to confront the issue at the United Nations, arguing that the establishment of a Palestinian state threatens Israel’s very existence.

This recognition comes just as the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, alongside a summit co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia to discuss the future of the two-state solution. Several countries, led by France, are expected to reaffirm their recognition of Palestine during the meeting.

On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron also announced that France would condition the opening of an embassy in Palestine on the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Currently, France has a Consulate General in Jerusalem, which also represents it before the Palestinian Authority, while its embassy to Israel is located in Tel Aviv.