Israel Protests as UK, Canada, Australia Formally Recognise Palestinian State
Israel Protests as UK, Canada, Australia Formally Recognise Palestinian State
A major diplomatic shift unfolded on Sunday as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognised the State of Palestine, in a coordinated move described by their leaders as a step toward reviving the stalled two-state solution.
The decision has sparked sharp condemnation from Israel, which insists the recognition undermines efforts to secure peace and the safe return of its hostages.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK’s position in a video message shared on social media, calling recognition “a necessary step to keep alive the possibility of peace.”
He stressed that Britain would continue pressing for the release of Israeli hostages, but argued that a lasting settlement was only possible through recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Canada followed suit, becoming the first G7 nation to make such a move. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the recognition was part of a “coordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” describing it as the most enduring path to peace in the Middle East.
Australia also issued a similar declaration, aligning with its Western partners in support of Palestinian sovereignty while emphasizing the urgency of renewed peace talks.
The Israeli government reacted angrily, summoning ambassadors from the three countries in protest. Officials in Jerusalem accused the Western nations of rewarding “terror and intransigence” at a time when Israel is still reeling from security threats and grappling with the aftermath of recent violence.
The coordinated recognition marks a significant diplomatic milestone, potentially reshaping debates at the United Nations and among Western allies about how best to resolve one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts.
With pressure mounting on Israel and Palestine to return to the negotiating table, analysts say the move by the UK, Canada, and Australia could both intensify diplomatic friction and inject new momentum into long-stalled peace efforts.
