Britain, Canada, and Australia recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, sparking Israeli anger and setting the stage for fierce debares at the United Nations.
Portugal also announced that it would recognize Palestinian statehood later in the day, joining the growing chorus of Western nations breaking with decades of diplomatic tradition that tied recognition to a negotiated peace settlement with Israel.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on X, declaring: “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, stating that his country recognised Palestine and offered its “partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
With this, Britain and Canada became the first G7 countries to officially take the step, while France and other nations are expected to follow during the UN summit.
The announcements mark a watershed moment in the Palestinians’ decades-long struggle for statehood. Three-quarters of UN member states already recognise Palestine, with more than 140 of the 193 nations having taken the step.
Israel, however, reacted furiously. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recognition as dangerous, insisting it “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.” He vowed to oppose the decision in upcoming UN talks.
The policy shift comes amid mounting global concern over Israel’s ongoing Gaza campaign. Nearly two years after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack — which killed 1,219 people in Israel — the war has left Gaza in ruins.
The enclave has witnessed widespread destruction, food shortages, and the deaths of at least 65,208 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health ministry figures regarded as credible by the UN.
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Public pressure has been especially strong in Britain, where monthly mass demonstrations have called for Palestinian recognition. A recent YouGov poll showed two-thirds of Britons aged 18 to 25 supported Palestinian statehood.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged Britain’s “special burden of responsibility” given its historic role in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which laid the foundations for the creation of Israel.
Lammy admitted recognition alone would not resolve humanitarian challenges or free hostages still held by Hamas but said it represented a renewed commitment to the two-state solution. “This is wrapped up in hope,” he told the BBC.
Palestinian officials hailed the move as meaningful rather than symbolic. Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said it sent “a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions about continuing their occupation forever.”
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa emphasised urgency: “By acting now, as the Portuguese government has decided, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states.”
The recognitions, coming from some of Israel’s closest allies, have added fresh momentum to international efforts to push for peace, even as violence continues on the ground.
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