London: In a significant geopolitical development, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia announced on Sunday that they formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state even as Israel is working towards takeover of Gaza.
With French President Emmanuel Macron also having vowed to officially recognise Palestine soon, there is clearly a major policy shift and a move away from traditional alignment with the United States.
“In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution, that means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X.
“To revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country, that the United Kingdom, formally recognises the state of Palestine,” Starmer stated.
It’s a culmination of the UK’s policy shift in July, when the government set clear conditions, demanding a ceasefire in the war in Gaza among other things, and warned that recognition would be granted if Israel failed to comply.
Shortly before Starmer’s announcement, Canada became the first G7 nation to formally recognise the State of Palestine, as Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed hope for “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Soon after that, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government’s recognition of Palestine, calling it part of a broader international push, alongside the UK and Canada, to reignite momentum toward a two-state solution.
Israel, US condemn decision
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, accusing Starmer of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” and appeasing “jihadist” ideology.
Israel’s Foreign minister Gideon Saar, on the other hand, termed the decision as a “mistake” and warned it could trigger an unspecified unilateral response.
US President Donald Trump earlier this week said he disagreed with Starmer on the issue of recognition of Palestine state.
Trump, during his official visit to the UK, said “one should not forget what happened on October 7,” referring to the sudden attack launched by the Hamas on Israel in 2023.
