The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially announced their recognition of a Palestinian state in a significant development ahead of the UN General Assembly session in New York, which is set to begin on Monday. France is anticipated to follow suit soon.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” stated British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X.
This announcement comes more than a century after the Balfour Declaration supported “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people” and 77 years following the establishment of Israel in the territory known as the British Mandate of Palestine.
In July, the UK government indicated a shift in its long-standing policy of delaying recognition until a moment deemed to have maximum impact, contingent on Israel ceasing its military actions in Gaza, committing to a sustainable peace process favoring a two-state solution, and permitting increased humanitarian aid into the region.
Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), remarked, “Many Palestinians would have liked to celebrate this symbolic moment but they cannot. The reality is that recognition will not end the bombing, the famine, the genocide nor the system of apartheid that Palestinians are enduring.”
On Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state, emphasizing the importance of partnership in creating prospects for peace for both Palestine and Israel. He noted that the Israeli government has been systematically obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimizes terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” Carney added.
Australia, in a joint statement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, stated its recognition aligned with the UK’s and Canada’s actions to support a two-state solution. The Australian leaders articulated that their decision aims to revive momentum for a two-state solution, initiating with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives held there.
In response to these announcements, Israel accused the UK, Canada, and Australia of siding with Hamas in the ongoing conflict. The recognition from these significant Western powers, who have traditionally upheld strong ties with Israel, suggests that Israel may be facing increased international isolation in light of its military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 65,200 Palestinians.
Tags: Palestinian statehood, UK recognition, Canada recognition, Australia recognition, international politics
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