The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have simultaneously recognized the Palestinian state on Sunday as part of a coordinated effort to advance a two-state solution with Israel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that this recognition would revive the dream of peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. In a video message posted on X, Starmer stated, We recognized the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people. Today we join over 150 countries who recognize a Palestinian state also. A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.
Starmer also emphasized that this recognition is not a reward for Hamas, the terror group behind the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives, including many civilians, and led to the abduction of more than 250 others. The British leader reiterated that Hamas will have no role in a future Palestinian state, stating that the group would have no future, no role in government, no role in security.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also recognized the state of Palestine, announcing his country’s commitment to building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong echoed this sentiment in a joint statement, highlighting Australia’s support for a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.
The recognition of Palestine has not been met with universal approval. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed the move, calling it a reward for terror
and vowing that a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.
Netanyahu has warned that the recognition of Palestine will not be allowed, and he has stated that he will announce Israel’s response after his upcoming visit to the United States, where he is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
Trump, who recently visited Britain, has also expressed disapproval of the move by the U.K., Canada, and Australia, indicating his stance on the matter. Meanwhile, the Israeli government’s rejection of the two-state solution has added further complexity to the peace efforts, with experts warning that the recognition of Palestine now could hinder future peace negotiations. The situation remains tense, with over 48 hostages still in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis in the region continuing to intensify.
Currently, over 145 countries recognize Palestine, including more than a dozen in Europe. However, the international recognition of Palestine does not resolve the underlying issues that have persisted for decades, and the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the recognition of Palestine will not only strengthen the position of the Palestinian people but also create space for meaningful dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.