UK, Australia, Canada Recognize Palestinian State in Historic Break

In a dramatic diplomatic shift that could redefine Middle East politics, Britain, Australia, and Canada have formally recognized the State of Palestine, a move hailed as historic by Palestinians but condemned by Israel as a “reward for terrorism.”

The announcement came on Sunday, September 21, 2025, setting the stage for what could be a landmark UN General Assembly in New York this week, as other nations, including France, are reportedly preparing to follow suit.

“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,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, saying his country “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” Australia issued a similar statement, calling the recognition a “necessary step toward a just and lasting peace.”

A Watershed Moment for Palestinians

This is the first time that G7 nations have recognized a Palestinian state, a decision that represents a major break with decades of Western policy, which had long insisted that statehood should come only as part of a negotiated peace deal with Israel.

For Palestinians, the recognition marks a diplomatic victory after decades of struggle. “Recognition is not symbolic,” Palestinian foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP last week. “It sends a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions about continuing their occupation forever.”

Three-quarters of UN member states, more than 140 of 193, already recognize Palestine, but the UK and Canada’s shift is particularly significant given their historic roles.

Israeli Anger and U.S. Silence

Israel reacted sharply to the announcement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move, arguing that recognising a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.”

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has not recognised Palestinian statehood and has yet to issue a formal response. Washington has historically used its diplomatic weight to block such moves at the UN Security Council.

Analysts say this recognition could increase pressure on the Trump administration, especially as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to draw international outrage.

War in Gaza as the Backdrop

The decision comes nearly two years after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people in southern Israel. In response, Israel launched a full-scale offensive in Gaza, vowing to “eliminate Hamas.”

Since then, more than 65,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures, which the UN considers credible. The enclave faces severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, with aid agencies warning of famine-like conditions.

Public pressure in the UK has been mounting for months. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets demanding a ceasefire and state recognition, with polls showing strong support among younger Britons.

Portugal announced it would also formally recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly. Observers believe France, Spain, and Ireland could soon join, creating a snowball effect that isolates Israel diplomatically.

While critics warn that recognition alone will not stop the violence or free Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, advocates see it as a necessary step to restart the long-stalled peace process.

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