The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Vil speaks during a United Nations meeting aimed at garnering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the UN headquarters, September 22, 2025. AP/Yuki Iwamura
Foreign Minister David van Vil of the Netherlands expressed the position: the country is ready to recognize Palestine, but for now it is too early. The decision should be taken at a later stage within a political process that should be started already now, NOS noted. He did not name a specific date for the vote.
“The Netherlands will recognize a Palestinian state at a later stage within a political process that must begin now”
– David van Vil
At the United Nations General Assembly, he reiterated support for the concept of creating two states and emphasized that violence must stop.
“Violence must stop”
– David van Vil
“I think the most important thing right now, regardless of recognition or not, is pressure on Israel to ensure that they have begun negotiations”
– David van Vil
Context of Palestine’s international recognition
In the global context, the recognition process continues to gain momentum. Thus, on July 24 France announced its intention to recognize Palestine, on July 25 Israel condemned the decision, and on July 30 France urged other countries to join the initiative.
On September 21, 2025, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized Palestine. At the same time, the countries stressed that Hamas should not be involved in forming the Palestinian government, and that the two-state path – Israel and Palestine – is a path to lasting peace.
Palestine is a partially recognized state: its proclamation was made in 1988, but the Palestinian government does not fully control the territory, including the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem Israel regards as its territory. As of April 2024, 143 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as an independent state, including Ukraine.
Within this dynamic of international recognition, diplomatic dialogue and discussions about the region’s future peace continue. The key message is to continue political steps that will promote a stable settlement and reduce tensions in the Middle East.