What recognising Palestinian state at UN actually means
If United Nations member states vote in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, it will be seen as a diplomatic and political milestone that could increase international pressure on Israel.
Recognition signals political support for Palestinian sovereignty and reinforces the push for a two-state solution, but it does not automatically create a fully functioning state on the ground.
Palestine currently holds the status of a “non-member observer state” at the UN, a designation granted in 2012. Recognition by the UN General Assembly could build momentum for Palestine to seek full UN membership, though that requires approval by the Security Council, where the United States has consistently used its veto on Palestine-related motions.
Recognition could also strengthen Palestine’s position in international institutions, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), by bolstering its claims to statehood and legitimacy in pursuing cases related to occupation and war crimes. In addition, countries that recognise Palestine may establish or upgrade diplomatic missions and increase aid or political backing.
However, recognition at the UN does not change the realities on the ground. Israel maintains military control over the occupied West Bank, where it has continued to expand settlements on Palestinian land. It also enforces a blockade on Gaza, where it is currently carrying out a genocide that has killed tens of thousands of people.
Recognition of the ongoing live streamed genocide would be more productive at this point. Western countries are still denying the genocide.
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Jeremy Corbyn calls for UK recognition of Gaza genocide
Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the government’s recognition of the State of Palestine, adding that it is now time to also “recognise the genocide in Gaza” and the UK’s complicity in crimes against humanity.
“Next, the UK should recognise the genocide in Gaza, end its complicity in crimes against humanity, and stop arming Israel,” he said on X.
Well done to all those who have tirelessly campaigned for the recognition of Palestine — an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
Next, the UK should recognise the genocide in Gaza, end its complicity in crimes against humanity, and stop arming Israel.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) September 21, 2025
‘Not enough’: Medical charity calls on UK to impose arms embargo on Israel
As the UK announces recognition of a Palestinian state, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)’s director of advocacy and campaigns, Rohan Talbot, has called on the country “to take meaningful action” alongside “symbolic gestures”.
“Alongside finally recognising the State of Palestine, the UK government should also recognise some hard truths: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and by continuing to allow arms transfers to Israel, and failing to take meaningful action to hold perpetrators accountable, the UK remains complicit in the very atrocities that threaten Palestinians’ existence and nationhood,” he said in a statement.
“Gaza City is being ethnically cleansed right now, in plain sight. Once again, we say: symbolic gestures are simply not enough. The UK government must urgently take concrete action that will help stop the genocide and end Israel’s illegal occupation,” Talbot added.
“End all arms sales now, take all possible legal, diplomatic, and economic measures to end impunity for those who violate international law, and ban UK trade with illegal settlements. Failure to do so means the UK will continue to be an ally to Israel’s atrocities,” he said.
