On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia declared their recognition of the Palestinian state. This move was made with the expectation that a two-state solution could foster peace, despite objections voiced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this action is aimed at “rekindling the prospect of peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Starmer remarked, “Over 75 years ago, we recognized the state of Israel as the homeland for the Jewish people.” He continued, “Today, we join more than 150 nations in also recognizing a Palestinian state, offering a commitment to both the Palestinian and Israeli populations that a brighter future is possible.”
He emphasized that this acknowledgment of statehood should not be seen as a concession to Hamas, the militant organization responsible for the devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That assault resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. Hamas currently governs the Gaza Strip.
Starmer described Hamas as “a brutal terrorist organization,” further stating that it would have “no future, no governmental role, and no security function” within a Palestinian state.
Mark Carney likewise acknowledged a Palestinian state, sharing on X that Canada extends its “partnership in fostering the prospect of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
In a joint declaration announcing Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate, asserted that Hamas “must have no part in Palestine.”
The statement articulated, “Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, in conjunction with Canada and the United Kingdom, forms part of a synchronized global initiative to generate fresh impetus for a two-state solution, commencing with a ceasefire in Gaza and the freeing of hostages captured during the atrocities of October 7, 2023.”
Already, over 145 nations, including more than twelve European countries, acknowledge a Palestinian state.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s administration rejects a two-state solution due to the present geopolitical climate in the region. Netanyahu stated that nations recognizing Palestine “are bestowing an immense reward upon terror.”
Following the announcements from these countries, Netanyahu declared, “It will not occur. A Palestinian state will not be formed west of the Jordan River.”
Netanyahu indicated he would reveal Israel’s reaction after his upcoming visit to the U.S. next week, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
During a visit to Britain last week, Trump expressed his disapproval of the actions taken by the U.K., Canada, and Australia.
Forty-eight captives are still being held in Gaza, with less than half presumed to be alive. On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants launched an assault into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the kidnapping of 251 individuals.