Who recognizes Palestine as a state?

As a subject matter expert on international relations, I can provide an overview of the recognition of Palestine as a state. Recognition of a state is a complex issue that involves political, historical, and legal considerations. It is important to note that recognition is a unilateral act by a sovereign state, and it can have significant implications on diplomatic relations and international politics. The status of Palestine has been a contentious issue for many years. While some countries have recognized Palestine as an independent state, others have not. Recognition is often a reflection of a country's foreign policy, its historical ties, and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sweden's recognition of Palestine as a state in 2014 was a significant development. By doing so, Sweden joined a growing number of countries that have extended diplomatic recognition to Palestine. The recognition was a political decision that reflected Sweden's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it also led to a diplomatic incident with Israel, highlighting the sensitivity and complexity of the issue. It is important to understand that recognition of a state is not the same as membership in the United Nations. While many countries have recognized Palestine as a state, it is not a full member of the UN. Instead, Palestine has a status of a "non-member observer state" at the UN. This status was upgraded from "entity" in 2012, which allowed Palestine to participate in General Assembly debates and to join UN agencies and treaties. The recognition of Palestine as a state is a matter of ongoing debate and discussion. Different countries have different positions on the issue, and the situation can change over time. It is also worth noting that recognition is just one aspect of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are many other issues at play, including questions of territory, security, and the rights of refugees. In conclusion, the recognition of Palestine as a state is a complex and multifaceted issue. It involves a range of political, historical, and legal considerations, and it has significant implications for international relations and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some countries have recognized Palestine as a state, others have not, and the situation remains a subject of ongoing debate and discussion.

Map: The countries that recognize Palestine as a state. Last week, Sweden became the 135th member of the United Nations to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state. The act sparked a tetchy diplomatic incident with Israel, which WorldViews discussed here.Nov 7, 2014