Recognition

The UK, Canada, and Australia formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday in a coordinated diplomatic move.

Context

The three countries had previously withheld recognition of a Palestinian state, maintaining that such recognition should only come through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Britain first signaled its intention to recognize Palestine in July, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the country would take this step unless Israel met certain conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. Over 140 United Nations member states already recognized Palestine before Sunday’s announcement.

Triple Recognition

The prime ministers of Britain, Canada, and Australia announced their countries would formally recognize the State of Palestine.

The move puts these traditional Israeli allies at odds with the US, which opposes Palestinian recognition without a negotiated settlement. President Trump had expressed his disagreement with the decision during his recent state visit to Britain, calling it “one of our few disagreements.”

Diplomatic Pressure

The announcements came on the eve of the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting in New York, where France, Belgium, and other countries are expected to vote in favor of Palestinian recognition this week.

UK’s PM Starmer said the recognition aimed “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution.” He had warned in July that Britain would take this step unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and committed to pursuing long-term peace.

Reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the moves, saying they reward “Hamas’ monstrous terrorism & punish its victims.” The Israeli government said it would respond to the recognition in the coming days but did not specify how.

Palestinian officials welcomed the recognition as conferring added legitimacy on their claims to statehood, though it has limited immediate practical effects on the ground in Gaza or the West Bank.