The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognised the State of Palestine on Sunday, displaying a notable change in Western diplomatic policy and a break from the United States.
“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,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged support for “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed recognition of “the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”
This recognition mainly carries symbolic weight, improving Palestinian diplomatic status and opening opportunities for international treaty-making, but it does not immediately alter conditions on the ground.
Gaza remains engulfed in a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 65,000 deaths since October 2023 and widespread destruction caused by ongoing Israeli military operations. The West Bank also continues to be subject to Israeli occupation and expanding settlements, which Palestinians view as threats to statehood.
The UK’s move, announced after months of deliberation and conditional on Israel taking meaningful steps to improve Gaza’s humanitarian situation, aims to keep alive the prospect of peace and a two-state solution.
“That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state — at the moment we have neither,” Starmer added.
The decision has drawn Israeli and American condemnation, showing concerns that recognition rewards Hamas, the group behind the 2023 attacks that ignited the current conflict.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the recognition “nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas,” while hostage family groups criticised it for neglecting the plight of captives. Starmer and Albanese insisted recognition was not a reward for Hamas and stated the group should have no role in future governance.
The announcement places these three nations alongside over 140 UN member states that have accepted Palestinian statehood, with France, Portugal, and others expected to follow during the United Nations General Assembly. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the move, expressing hope for a future of “security, peace, and good neighbourliness” alongside Israel.