UK, Canada, Australia Recognize Palestine as a State

United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a state, moving away from their alignment with the United States. Several other European nations and U.S. allies are set to follow suit this week.

The recognition comes as a step towards reviving the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement, “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.”

Canada became the first Group of 7 nation to recognize the state of Palestine, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government promising a "peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement shortly after formally recognizing “the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the move, saying, "We will have to fight both at the UN and in all other arenas against the false propaganda against us and the calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state that will endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terrorism." Netanyahu accused the foreign leaders of giving Hamas a "prize," adding, “It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

The Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry categorically rejected the declarations by the United Kingdom and other countries, stating that it “does not promote peace, but on the contrary — further destabilizes the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future.”

In contrast, Hamas applauded the decision, calling it a "rightful outcome of our people's struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return." The move grants the Palestinians increased diplomatic standing and the potential for treaty-making, although it does not fundamentally change the realities on the ground in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with over 65,000 people killed since October 2023, including thousands of children, according to the local Palestinian Health Ministry. Israeli strikes killed at least 34 people in Gaza City overnight, as Israel pressed ahead with its offensive in the enclave's most populous city.

The recognition by the UK, Canada, and Australia brings them closer to the more than 140 out of 193 U.N. member states that have already recognized Palestine as a state. France is expected to formally declare its recognition on Monday at a United Nations conference in New York, while Portugal also confirmed it would recognize a Palestinian state. Other countries on the brink of recognition include Belgium, Luxembourg, and New Zealand.

The creation of a Palestinian state refers to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israel occupies both the West Bank and Gaza, meaning the Palestinian Authority is not in full control of its land or people. Israeli authorities recently approved a new settlement project that ultranationalist lawmakers see as a death knell for dreams of Palestinian statehood.

The US has expressed opposition to the recognition, arguing that it emboldens extremists and rewards Hamas. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum condemned the decision, stating that any discussion about recognizing a Palestinian state must be contingent upon the immediate release of all hostages.

In response, Starmer said recognition was "not a reward for Hamas," because it means Hamas can have no future, and no role in government. Albanese also said Hamas must have “no role in Palestine.”

The recognition is seen as a significant step towards a two-state solution, with the UK, Canada, and Australia joining other countries in acknowledging the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to have a state.