UK, Australia, Canada finally recognise Palestinian state

In a landmark policy shift, Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday formally recognised a Palestinian state, a decision that immediately drew a sharp rebuke from Israel.

Portugal also confirmed it would make a similar announcement later in the day, as global pressure continued to mount on Israel over the war in Gaza, which began nearly two years ago after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on X.

Britain and Canada are the first members of the G7 to take this step, with France and other countries expected to signal their positions during the UN General Assembly opening on Monday in New York.

“Canada recognises 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,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.

For Palestinians, the recognition marks a milestone in their long pursuit of statehood. For decades, powerful Western nations argued that such recognition should follow a negotiated peace with Israel.

The decision, however, has set these countries on a collision course with Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out, warning he would resist the move at the UN.Calls for a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu said Sunday.

The policy reversal comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, pledging to eradicate Hamas. The conflict has left the territory in ruins, with tens of thousands dead and food shortages fuelling a deep humanitarian crisis.

In the UK, public opinion has been a driving force, with mass demonstrations taking place monthly. A recent YouGov poll found two-thirds of Britons aged 18–25 supported Palestinian statehood.