In a coordinated diplomatic move, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state on Sunday, intensifying international pressure on Israel to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision from 10 Downing Street, framing it as essential to revive the two-state solution. “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace,” Starmer said, emphasizing a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.
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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
The move breaks with longstanding UK policy, driven by domestic calls within Labour and public outrage over footage from Gaza.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney followed suit via social media, stating Canada offers “partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
As the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine, Canada highlighted commitments to disarm Hamas and reform the Palestinian Authority.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at the UN General Assembly, affirmed recognition of “the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people,” conditional on reforms like democratic elections and recognition of Israel.
My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/HtBmnIQGBS
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025
The announcement, amid Albanese’s bid to meet US President Donald Trump, drew US warnings of “punitive measures.”
Israel condemned the actions as “rewards for terrorism,” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing a strong response. Palestinian officials hailed it as correcting “colonial-era wrongs,” with over 140 nations now recognizing the state.
France and Portugal are expected to follow this week, ahead of the UN summit.
However, the move is mostly symbolic, and nothing much changes on the ground, apart from some increased diplomatic standing for Palestinians. States that have recognised Palestine already recognise Israel, something the Palestinians don’t want. They want the entire region from the ‘river to the sea’ to be declared Palestine, which means complete elimination of the state of Israel, which will not be supported by majority of nations.
