UK, Australia and Canada Recognise Palestinian State, Marking Major Shift in Western Policy
LONDON, Sept 21 (VoM): Britain, Australia, and Canada on Sunday formally recognized the State of Palestine in what is being described as a watershed moment in decades of Western foreign policy. The move drew swift condemnation from Israel but was hailed as a significant step towards a two state solution.
Portugal also announced it would extend recognition later in the day, joining more than 140 United Nations member states that already acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
“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,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared in a post on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, writing, “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
With this announcement, Britain and Canada became the first G7 nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. Analysts expect more countries, including France, to follow suit during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.
Israel, however, strongly opposed the decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move, saying such recognition would “endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.”
The shift in policy comes as international criticism mounts over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched nearly two years ago following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Gaza has since suffered massive destruction, tens of thousands of civilian deaths, and an escalating humanitarian crisis marked by acute shortages of food and aid.
Public opinion has also played a major role. In the UK, mass demonstrations in support of Palestine have taken place monthly, while a recent YouGov poll showed two-thirds of Britons aged 18 to 25 back Palestinian statehood. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy previously acknowledged Britain’s “special burden of responsibility” to support a two-state solution, given its historic role in the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
Palestinian officials welcomed the development. Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stressed that recognition is not symbolic but a clear message to Israel that “occupation cannot continue forever.”
Despite the recognition, leaders acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Will this feed children? No, that depends on humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must come through a ceasefire,” Lammy said. “But it is an attempt to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive.”
As the UN General Assembly convenes, all eyes will be on whether other Western powers follow the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal in formally backing Palestinian statehood.
@voice of Malaysia news