Fact Check: Palestine has never been a state

Fact Check: "Palestine has never been a state"

What We Know

The claim that "Palestine has never been a state" is nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of international recognition and the historical context of Palestinian statehood. As of March 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations, which constitutes over 75% of all UN members (International recognition of Palestine). The State of Palestine was officially declared by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on November 15, 1988, claiming sovereignty over the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip (International recognition of Palestine).

Despite this declaration and subsequent recognition by numerous countries, Palestine has not achieved full UN membership due to the consistent vetoes from the United States, a permanent member of the UN Security Council (International recognition of Palestine). The PLO was granted non-member observer state status in the UN General Assembly in 2012, which is a significant acknowledgment of its statehood claim (International recognition of Palestine). Additionally, the International Criminal Court recognized Palestine as a "State" in December 2014, which further complicates the narrative surrounding its statehood (International recognition of Palestine).

Analysis

The assertion that Palestine has never been a state can be considered partially true, depending on the criteria used to define statehood. According to the Montevideo Convention, a state must have a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. While Palestine has declared itself a state and has received recognition from a significant number of countries, it lacks full control over its territory and has limited governmental authority due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Legal Status of Palestine).

The recognition of Palestine as a state is also inconsistent among various countries. While many nations, particularly in the Global South, recognize Palestine, key Western countries, including the United States and several European nations, do not grant it full statehood status, often linking recognition to the outcome of direct negotiations with Israel (International recognition of Palestine, Recognition of Palestinian Statehood). This geopolitical context adds layers to the debate about Palestinian statehood, as the lack of consensus among major powers affects Palestine's international standing.

Moreover, historical documents and resolutions, such as the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3236, recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and sovereignty, further supporting the argument for Palestine's statehood (International recognition of Palestine). However, the practical realities on the ground, including the lack of control over borders and resources, complicate the situation.

Conclusion

The claim that "Palestine has never been a state" is Partially True. While Palestine has declared itself a state and has received recognition from a majority of UN member states, it does not possess full statehood in the conventional sense due to lack of control over its territory and the ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation is further complicated by international politics, with significant powers withholding recognition based on their diplomatic stances.