In a bold step ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have officially recognized the State of Palestine. This coordinated action breathes new life into the debate over the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing goal for lasting peace in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer kicked things off with a post on X (formerly Twitter). “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,” he wrote. This move signals a fresh approach from London on Middle East policy.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney followed suit from Ottawa, sharing a strong statement on X and in a press release. He pointed to decades of Canadian support for two states living side by side in peace. “Since 1947, Canada has supported a two-state solution – Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security. Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of lasting peace in the Middle East,” Carney said.
Carney didn’t hold back on criticisms of Israel’s current policies. He highlighted the government’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, which he called illegal under international law, along with the devastating assault in Gaza. That conflict has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced over a million people, and sparked a preventable famine, he noted. “It is now the avowed policy of the current Israeli government that ‘there will be no Palestinian state,'” Carney added, framing the recognition as a pushback in this tense context.
Over in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong released a joint statement recognizing Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. They stressed Australia’s ongoing commitment to the two-state solution while making it clear that Hamas has no place in Palestine’s future. The leaders also praised the Palestinian Authority’s pledges for reforms, including democratic elections, better governance, and acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist.
This trio of recognitions represents one of the biggest changes in Western stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in years. It puts the UK, Australia, and Canada in step with many Arab nations and countries in the Global South, which have backed Palestinian statehood for a long time.
With the UN General Assembly underway, these announcements could ramp up pressure on holdouts like the United States and European Union members to rethink their positions on Palestinian statehood. The move highlights growing calls for action amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Palestinian officials quickly welcomed the news. The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations posted on X: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes and expresses gratitude to the countries that have recognized the State of Palestine, namely the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and considers these courageous decisions to be in line with international law and international legitimacy resolutions.”
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
