Today, in a significant move to revive hope for peace between Palestinians and Israelis and to support a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognized the State of Palestine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on X, signaling a notable shift in London’s Middle East policy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the same sentiment, releasing a detailed statement from Ottawa. Since 1947, Canada has supported a two-state solution, envisioning Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security. “Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Canadian PM said on X.
He further criticized the current Israeli government’s policies, stating:
“The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established. It has pursued an unrelenting policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law. Its sustained assault in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced well over one million people, and caused a devastating and preventable famine in violation of international law. It is now the avowed policy of the current Israeli government that there will be no Palestinian state.”
“In this context, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” he added.
Australia also joined the coordinated recognition effort. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement declaring Australia’s formal recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. They reiterated Canberra’s commitment to a two-state solution.
The statement emphasized that Hamas must have no role in Palestine and highlighted the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reforms, including democratic elections, governance changes, and recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
The recognition by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia marks one of the most significant shifts in Western policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. It aligns these countries with many Arab world nations and members of the Global South who have long supported Palestinian statehood.
As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convenes in New York this week, these coordinated announcements are expected to increase pressure on other nations, including the United States and members of the European Union, to reassess their positions on Palestinian statehood.
The Palestinian government welcomed the announcements warmly. In a statement shared on X, Palestine’s Mission to the United Nations said:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes and expresses gratitude to the countries that have recognized the State of Palestine, namely the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and considers these courageous decisions to be in line with international law and international legitimacy resolutions.”
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