European support for recognizing Palestinian statehood has increased in recent years due to Israel’s war in Gaza, initiated in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Hamas assault resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages were taken.
The health ministry in Gaza, governed by Hamas, reported more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths caused by the Israeli military since the war began; United Nations agencies and independent experts generally consider these figures to be reliable.
Meanwhile, increased violence and settlement expansion by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, diplomatic incidents with European nations, election interference, Israeli military actions against neighboring countries, and aggressive rhetoric by Israeli politicians have strained relations with Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron led an effort in 2025 resulting in France, the U.K., Canada, and Australia recognizing Palestinian statehood. This action drew condemnation from the U.S. and Israel.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024 as the death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza rose.
Hamas’s shift away from its governing role in Gaza was cautiously welcomed by the U.N., though questions about its disarmament and the impact of this change remain unresolved.
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