Fact Check: "Palestine is a country"
What We Know
The claim that "Palestine is a country" is complex and rooted in international law and recognition. 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 accounts for just over 75% of all UN members (Wikipedia). Palestine has held non-member observer state status in the UN since November 2012, a status that allows it to participate in General Assembly debates and join various international organizations (National Security and Armed Conflict Law).
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. By the end of 1988, it had received recognition from 78 countries (Wikipedia). However, the recognition of Palestine as a state is not universal; several countries, including the United States and most Western nations, do not recognize it as a sovereign state, often citing the need for direct negotiations with Israel as a prerequisite for recognition (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The assertion that Palestine is a country hinges on the definitions and criteria for statehood in international law. According to the Montevideo Convention of 1933, a state must have a permanent population, defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states (National Security and Armed Conflict Law). Critics argue that Palestine does not meet these criteria fully, particularly regarding defined territory and effective governance, especially in light of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the division of governance between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.
Supporters of Palestinian statehood point to the substantial international recognition it has received and its participation in international organizations as evidence of its status as a country. The recognition by 147 UN member states and its status as a non-member observer state are significant indicators of its legitimacy in the eyes of many nations (Wikipedia, Wikipedia). However, the lack of full UN membership and the ongoing disputes over territory complicate the narrative.
The reliability of sources on this topic varies. Academic and legal analyses, such as those found in the National Security and Armed Conflict Law, provide a legal perspective but may reflect a bias depending on the author's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Conversely, sources like Wikipedia compile a range of information but may also reflect varying degrees of bias depending on the contributors.
Conclusion
The claim that "Palestine is a country" is Partially True. While Palestine has received significant international recognition and operates as a de facto state with some governmental functions, it lacks universal recognition and does not fully meet the criteria for statehood as defined by international law. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the differing perspectives on statehood contribute to this nuanced status.
