London: The world of diplomacy is witnessing a seismic shift on the issue of Palestinian statehood, with many countries long sidelined by traditional Western powers claiming the moral high ground. On September 21, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognised Palestinian statehood, joining countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain that have recently altered their stance on this issue.
According to TRTworld.com, the movement to secure UN-backed statehood for Palestine did not originate in 2025. Instead, countries from the Global South—such as Türkiye, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, and many others—laid the groundwork for the recognition of Palestinian statehood decades ago, often enduring backlash from the US and Israel. These nations have been instrumental in raising global awareness of the issues surrounding Israeli policies, which they argue lack moral, legal, and humanitarian legitimacy.
Mustafa Yetim, a professor of international relations at Türkiye's Eskisehir Osmangazi University, emphasized the crucial role played by African, Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern states in pressuring countries that support Israel's controversial policies. By employing a strategy of naming and shaming, these countries have mobilized diplomatic support that has led to formal recognition of Palestine by numerous nations.
The Global South's leadership in advocating for Palestinian statehood dates back to the 1980s. Türkiye recognized Palestine in 1988, followed by several other nations from the developing world, viewing the cause as a measure of Western consistency. The unwavering support from these countries has bolstered the Palestinian cause over the years, reinforcing calls for ceasefires and a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist as equals.
This activism culminated in a significant achievement at the United Nations in 2012, when the General Assembly voted 138 to nine to grant Palestine non-member observer state status. This milestone in the Palestinian struggle provided access to international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC), which later issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant in 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The recognition of Palestine by 151 of the UN's 193 members, mostly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, reflects the Global South's significant influence. With recent shifts by Britain and France, the United States remains the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that does not recognize Palestinian statehood, having used its veto power to block Palestine's admission as a full UN member.