Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada have formally recognised a Palestinian state, a move that drew a swift and angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect.
The coordinated decision by the three Commonwealth nations was announced on Sunday and reflects growing frustration over Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and its continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the announcements were “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing pressure within his Labour Party over the worsening situation in Gaza, said the UK’s decision was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” He stressed that the recognition was not a reward for Hamas, which carried out the October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others.
The decisions prompted a strong rejection from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He declared that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen.” He accused Australia, Britain, and France of offering a “prize” to Hamas. “It will not happen,” Netanyahu said. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
Later on Sunday, Portugal also announced its recognition of a Palestinian state. The UK’s move had been widely expected after Starmer said in July that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed UN aid, and made steps toward peace.
More countries, including France, are expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week. France, like the UK, is a permanent member of the Security Council, and its position is seen as highly influential. Netanyahu is due to address the General Assembly on Friday before travelling to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. He said Israel would announce its formal response after the trip.
Netanyahu has threatened unilateral action, including the possible annexation of parts of the West Bank, in response to the growing international recognition of a Palestinian state. Such a step could expand Israel’s control over the territory and further strain relations with the global community.
Hamas welcomed the recognition, calling it a “rightful outcome of our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return.” The group urged the international community to isolate Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also praised the UK’s announcement. According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Abbas said it marked an important step toward achieving “a just and lasting peace in the region based on the two-state solution.”
