United Kingdom, Canada and Australia Recognize Palestine as State Amid Global Shift
The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia officially recognized Palestine as a state on Sunday, signaling a major foreign policy shift among three of Israel’s closest allies. The move places them in alignment with over 140 United Nations member states that already recognize Palestinian statehood and adds momentum to a growing international push for a two-state solution.
The U.K., Canada and Australia recognize Palestine, joining a growing list of nations backing statehood as global pressure mounts on Israel.
Alberto Pezzali/PA
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the U.K. “formally recognizes the State of Palestine” as part of efforts to revive peace talks. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government supports a “peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared his nation’s recognition of “the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected the decision, describing it as an “absurd reward for terrorism” and vowing that a Palestinian state “will not be established west of the Jordan River.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry released a statement calling the recognition destabilizing and harmful to prospects for peace.
Hamas welcomed the announcement, describing it as the result of years of struggle and sacrifice by Palestinians. The recognition, however, remains symbolic, offering the Palestinians greater diplomatic standing without altering conditions on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with more than 65,000 people reported killed since October 2023, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli strikes in Gaza City killed at least 34 people overnight, adding to the devastation in the enclave, where famine and displacement affect much of the population.
The U.K.’s decision follows its earlier warning that recognition would proceed if Israel did not take steps to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. Starmer emphasized that recognition is intended to advance the possibility of peace, saying, “That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state — at the moment we have neither.” Albanese also stressed that Hamas must play “no role in Palestine.”
The United States and Israel have voiced strong opposition, warning that recognition emboldens extremists. Families of hostages held since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks also criticized the move, urging that no recognition should occur without the release of captives.
France, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg and New Zealand are expected to follow with formal recognition this week at the United Nations conference in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. French President Emmanuel Macron has already described Palestinian statehood as a “legitimate right” while denouncing Israel’s latest ground offensive in Gaza City.
The creation of a Palestinian state generally refers to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel currently controls those territories, and recent settlement expansions have drawn international condemnation as obstacles to peace.
Spain, Norway and Ireland extended recognition to Palestine last year, adding to the momentum now spreading among U.S. allies.
