LONDON/TORONTO/PNG — Britain, Canada, and Australia officially recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday in a move driven by frustration over the Gaza war and intended to promote a two-state solution, prompting a furious response from Israel.
The decision by these three major Western nations, traditionally strong allies of Israel, aligns them with roughly 140 other countries that support Palestinian aspirations for an independent homeland in the Israeli-occupied territories.
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Britain’s recognition carried particular symbolism, given its major role in Israel’s creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War Two. Speaking on Sunday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “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. The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his decision reflects Canberra’s “longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.” He also stressed that “the terrorist organization Hamas must have no role in Palestine.”
Israel Condemns Recognition
As expected, Sunday’s announcements set off a wave of furious denunciations across the Zionist political spectrum in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at his weekly cabinet meeting ahead of the formal announcements, called for a “fight” against the move, warning that it would “endanger [Israel’s] existence.
Israel’s response to the recognition will come after Netanyahu returns from the United States next week. In a video statement, the premier said: “I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre on October 7 — you are handing a huge reward to terror. It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan.” He also boasted that under his leadership, Israel “doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria — and we will continue on this course.”
Palestinian leaders welcomed the recognition as a historic step toward international legitimacy and a boost for their long-standing efforts to achieve statehood. Representatives from Britain, Canada, and Australia stressed that their recognition aims to support a negotiated two-state solution and encourage constructive dialogue between Israel and Palestine.
The coordinated announcements came a day before the opening in New York of the annual United Nations General Assembly, which will feature a significant focus on the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution. Saudi Arabia and France are hosting a summit on Monday in New York, at which more leaders are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Analysts say the recognition may heighten tensions between Israel and these Western allies while influencing other nations to reconsider their stance on Palestinian statehood.
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