In A Historic Move, UK, Canada and Australia officially recognise the State of Palestine

International News: The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia officially recognised Palestine as an independent state on Sunday. This marks a big change in their foreign policy and shows a shift away from their usual close alignment with the United States. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on his official X account, “As violence in the Middle East increases, we are taking steps to protect the chance of peace and a two-state solution, which means a safe Israel alongside a functioning Palestinian state.” He continued, “To keep alive the hope of peace and a two-state plan, I clearly state as prime minister that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine.”

Policy Shift and Conditions for Recognition

This decision comes after the UK changed its approach in July. At that time, it set clear rules for recognising Palestine, including a ceasefire, and warned that recognition would follow if Israel did not meet those conditions. Israel quickly criticised the move, calling it a “reward” for Hamas. US President Donald Trump also said this was one of the few issues where he disagreed with Keir Starmer during last week’s state visit.

Israel’s Reaction and UK’s Clarification

Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted soon after the announcement, saying, “Recognition is nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas, which is supported by its Muslim Brotherhood allies in the UK. Hamas leaders themselves admit this recognition is the ‘fruit’ of the October 7 massacre. Don’t let extremist ideology decide your policy.”

Prime Minister Starmer responded by stressing that recognising Palestine is not a “reward for Hamas.” He said the move ensures Hamas will have no role in the future government or security of Palestine. “We are clear this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, and no role in security,” he said.

Canada Leads and Australia Joins

Just before the UK announcement, Canada became the first G7 country to formally recognise the State of Palestine. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed hope for “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” Shortly afterwards, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also declared his government’s recognition of Palestine. He called it part of a wider global effort, alongside the UK and Canada, to restart progress toward a two-state solution.

Calls for Ceasefire and Future Governance

In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said this step begins with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The statement also underlined that Hamas must have no role in how Palestine is governed in the future.