Britain, Canada and Australia formally recognise Palestinian state
| 2025-09-22
UK, Canada and Australia Officially Recognise Palestinian State
Formal recognition of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia heightens tensions with Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially recognised the state of Palestine, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This recognition was announced on Sunday and aims to increase pressure on Israel during its military operations in Gaza, which have faced widespread international criticism.
Recognising Palestine
The decision to recognise Palestine comes amid growing frustration expressed by these nations regarding the stagnation of the two-state solution, which has been the cornerstone of peace negotiations for decades. Following these announcements, Portugal also declared its recognition of a Palestinian state, positioning itself as part of a broader international movement advocating for peace.
As further actions unfold, other countries, including France, are anticipated to follow suit at the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This recognition trend is likely to intensify Israel’s diplomatic isolation, particularly as it contrasts sharply with the policies of its key ally, the United States.
Israeli Government's Response
In response to these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, stating that the recognition of a Palestinian state is tantamount to rewarding terrorism. "There will be no Palestinian state,” he asserted, expressing his belief that these actions would embolden groups such as Hamas, which Israel accuses of conducting an attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people on October 7.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, stating that the recognition will fail to aid Palestinians or contribute to any lasting peace that many seek. “This is a sad day for those who seek true peace,” he remarked on the social media platform X.
Statements from Allied Nations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country’s recognition of Palestine on X, emphasising a commitment to fostering peace between the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. A senior official in the Canadian government noted that the Palestinian Authority has taken steps towards peace, including renouncing violence and recognising Israel.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that this recognition is crucial to revitalising hope for peace in the region. He asserted that his country’s move is not a reward for Hamas but a step towards a solution. The UK’s Foreign Office also updated its travel advice to reflect the new designation of “Palestine” instead of the “Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
International Context
The recognition of Palestine is not unprecedented, as over 140 countries already acknowledge its statehood. Despite growing global support, achieving full membership in the United Nations remains contentious, as it requires the approval of the Security Council, where several permanent members, including the United States, have historically opposed such recognition.
In an interview with CBS News, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would recognise a Palestinian state, contingent upon specific conditions. This places France among the nations actively calling for recognition within the UNGA framework.
Reactions from Palestinian Leaders
The announcement was celebrated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who described it as a vital move towards a just and lasting peace. He suggested that this recognition may pave the way for a two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis can coexist. On the ground, however, reactions varied. Some Palestinians expressed cautious optimism, while those in Gaza feared that this recognition would not translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Concerns About Hostages
The recognition of Palestine has drawn criticism from families of hostages held by Hamas, who argue that this decision complicates efforts to secure the release of their loved ones. Some families expressed frustration, stating that recognition efforts may hinder negotiations. Amid these challenges, Canadian leaders plan to emphasise their commitment to peaceful coexistence, asserting that the Palestinian Authority’s renunciation of violence is a significant step forward.
Future Implications
As more countries consider the recognition of Palestine, this diplomatic shift raises questions about possible implications for peace negotiations in the Middle East. In anticipation of a larger wave of recognition, the Israeli government's response continues to solidify its position against the establishment of a Palestinian state. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely to gauge the future of the region's stability and potential for peace.
In summary, the recent actions taken by Britain, Canada, and Australia reflect not only a change in policy on Palestinian statehood but also a potential reconfiguration of alliances in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international discourse surrounding these developments underscores the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in a region fraught with historical grievances and current tensions.
Recognising Palestine
The decision to recognise Palestine comes amid growing frustration expressed by these nations regarding the stagnation of the two-state solution, which has been the cornerstone of peace negotiations for decades. Following these announcements, Portugal also declared its recognition of a Palestinian state, positioning itself as part of a broader international movement advocating for peace.
As further actions unfold, other countries, including France, are anticipated to follow suit at the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This recognition trend is likely to intensify Israel’s diplomatic isolation, particularly as it contrasts sharply with the policies of its key ally, the United States.
Israeli Government's Response
In response to these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, stating that the recognition of a Palestinian state is tantamount to rewarding terrorism. "There will be no Palestinian state,” he asserted, expressing his belief that these actions would embolden groups such as Hamas, which Israel accuses of conducting an attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people on October 7.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, stating that the recognition will fail to aid Palestinians or contribute to any lasting peace that many seek. “This is a sad day for those who seek true peace,” he remarked on the social media platform X.
Statements from Allied Nations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country’s recognition of Palestine on X, emphasising a commitment to fostering peace between the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. A senior official in the Canadian government noted that the Palestinian Authority has taken steps towards peace, including renouncing violence and recognising Israel.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that this recognition is crucial to revitalising hope for peace in the region. He asserted that his country’s move is not a reward for Hamas but a step towards a solution. The UK’s Foreign Office also updated its travel advice to reflect the new designation of “Palestine” instead of the “Occupied Palestinian Territories.”
International Context
The recognition of Palestine is not unprecedented, as over 140 countries already acknowledge its statehood. Despite growing global support, achieving full membership in the United Nations remains contentious, as it requires the approval of the Security Council, where several permanent members, including the United States, have historically opposed such recognition.
In an interview with CBS News, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France would recognise a Palestinian state, contingent upon specific conditions. This places France among the nations actively calling for recognition within the UNGA framework.
Reactions from Palestinian Leaders
The announcement was celebrated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who described it as a vital move towards a just and lasting peace. He suggested that this recognition may pave the way for a two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis can coexist. On the ground, however, reactions varied. Some Palestinians expressed cautious optimism, while those in Gaza feared that this recognition would not translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Concerns About Hostages
The recognition of Palestine has drawn criticism from families of hostages held by Hamas, who argue that this decision complicates efforts to secure the release of their loved ones. Some families expressed frustration, stating that recognition efforts may hinder negotiations. Amid these challenges, Canadian leaders plan to emphasise their commitment to peaceful coexistence, asserting that the Palestinian Authority’s renunciation of violence is a significant step forward.
Future Implications
As more countries consider the recognition of Palestine, this diplomatic shift raises questions about possible implications for peace negotiations in the Middle East. In anticipation of a larger wave of recognition, the Israeli government's response continues to solidify its position against the establishment of a Palestinian state. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely to gauge the future of the region's stability and potential for peace.
In summary, the recent actions taken by Britain, Canada, and Australia reflect not only a change in policy on Palestinian statehood but also a potential reconfiguration of alliances in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international discourse surrounding these developments underscores the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in a region fraught with historical grievances and current tensions.
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