In a major diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have formally recognised the State of Palestine, a move aimed at increasing pressure on Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.
The announcement comes just days before world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly’s high-level week. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Sunday that London will now recognise Palestinian statehood, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
Starmer said the decision was taken “to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis,” while stressing that recognition is not a reward for Hamas.
He underlined that the Gaza-based group will play no role in any future governance of the Palestinian people.
“We must unite behind the vision of peace: the release of hostages, an end to the violence, an end to the suffering, and a renewed push for a two-state solution as the best hope for security on all sides,” he said.
Australia made its recognition official in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
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“Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people to a state of their own,” the leaders said, describing the move as part of Canberra’s “longstanding commitment to a two-state solution.”
In Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced recognition, stating that Canada seeks to “preserve the prospect of a two-state solution.”
Carney noted that this possibility has been undermined in recent years by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, Israeli moves to annex parts of the West Bank, and the blockade of Gaza that restricted food and aid for months.
Israel swiftly condemned the move. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the three countries of offering “unconditional recognition” while hostages remain in Hamas captivity. Meanwhile, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vowed to push for full annexation of the West Bank at the next cabinet meeting, calling the recognitions a “prize for terrorists.”
Though largely symbolic, the coordinated recognition by three major Commonwealth nations carries historic weight. The UK, in particular, once held the mandate over Palestine and played a central role in shaping the foundations of modern Israel in 1917.
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