The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia on Sunday formally recognized the State of Palestine, marking a historic shift among three of Israel’s closest allies.
Starmer: Recognition to Preserve Two-State Solution
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement saying the decision was taken to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict.
“Today, to revive hope for peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as Prime Minister of this great nation that the UK formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” Starmer declared.
He described Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization and demanded the immediate release of all hostages. “The call for a genuine two-state solution stands in direct opposition to their hateful ideology,” he added. Starmer also stressed that Hamas can have no role in governing Gaza or the future Palestinian state.
Canada and Australia Follow Suit
Just hours before Starmer’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also declared their countries’ formal recognition of Palestine.
This coordinated decision by three of Washington and Tel Aviv’s closest partners has left U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increasingly isolated on the issue, as both remain strongly opposed to Palestinian statehood.
The recognition comes ahead of an international peace conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York on Monday. The summit is expected to rally global support for a two-state solution while condemning Hamas.
Global Momentum for Recognition
More than 145 of the UN’s 193 member states have already recognized Palestine. France and several other nations are also expected to announce recognition during the UN General Assembly this week.
The move follows the devastating aftermath of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Over 22 months of war, Israel has been accused of killing tens of thousands of children and women, amounting to what many international observers call genocide against Palestinians.
Even within Israel, protests have emerged accusing Netanyahu of tarnishing Israel’s global image through the mass killing of innocent Palestinian children.
