UK, Australia, Canada Formally Recognise Palestinian State

UK, Australia, Canada Formally Recognise Palestinian State

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have formally recognised the State of Palestine, in what is seen as a historic shift among Israel’s closest Western allies.

The coordinated announcements, made on September 21, aim to protect the viability of a two-state solution and push for peace in the Middle East. The UK stressed that recognition does not legitimise Hamas, insisting the group must have no role in any future Palestinian government.

Palestinian leaders welcomed the decision as long overdue, while Israel condemned it sharply, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that a Palestinian state “will not happen.” The United States reacted cautiously, calling the move symbolic but reiterating its commitment to Israel’s security.

Analysts say the move adds momentum to global pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza and renewed peace talks, amid worsening humanitarian and security crises in the region.