London: The UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal have formally recognised the State of Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic shift that has incited strong opposition from the US and Israel. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the decision aims "to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution." This historic move comes as a departure from decades of Western foreign policy, quickly drawing anger from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed that a Palestinian state will never come to fruition.
According to France24.com, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have welcomed the recognition as a victory, while Netanyahu has responded by pledging to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, an area under Israeli control since 1967 and considered occupied under international law. The UK and Canada are the first members of the Group of Seven advanced economies to formally recognise Palestine, with other countries, including France, expected to follow at the UN General Assembly in New York.
This recognition represents a watershed moment for Palestinians, as a growing number of countries support their aspirations for statehood. Three-quarters of UN members now recognise the State of Palestine, with at least 145 of 193 member countries having done so. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that the move acknowledges the "legitimate and long-held aspirations" of Palestinians, while Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel noted that a two-state solution remains "the only path to a just and lasting peace."
On the ground in Gaza, the recognition has been seen as an affirmation of existence amid ongoing conflict. Salwa Mansour, a displaced Palestinian, described the recognition as a "moral victory," emphasizing the hope it brings despite ongoing hardships. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised the recognition as a crucial step towards achieving peace, despite the move putting the recognising countries at odds with the US and Israel.
US President Donald Trump has previously noted disagreements with UK Prime Minister Starmer over Palestinian statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that while France is moving towards recognition, certain conditions, like the release of hostages, are prerequisites for further diplomatic progress.
The change in stance by these countries reflects a growing international response to the intensified Israeli offensive in Gaza. The UK government faces public pressure to act, with significant public demonstrations calling for change. Historically, the UK played a key role in the creation of Israel through the 1917 Balfour Declaration. Prime Minister Starmer, calling for a ceasefire, emphasized that recognition does not equate to rewarding Hamas, which he labeled a "brutal terror organisation." The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,219 Israelis and at least 65,208 Palestinians reported dead, the majority being civilians.