In a significant diplomatic move on Sunday, Britain, Canada, and Australia officially recognized a Palestinian state. This decision, driven by frustration over the ongoing Gaza war, is intended to revive momentum for a two-state solution but is also likely to anger Israel and its primary ally, the United States. The three nations now align with roughly 140 other countries that support the Palestinians’ goal of establishing an independent homeland in the Israeli-occupied territories.
British Prime Minister Starmer announced, “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.” Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their countries’ recognition. Carney stated, “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” Albanese emphasized the move was part of an effort to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
The decision puts Starmer at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump. In July, Britain had issued an ultimatum to Israel, stating it would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to end the “appalling situation” in Gaza. Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian Mission in London, hailed the decision as a “long-overdue recognition” and an “irreversible step towards justice, peace, and the correction of historic wrongs.”
Starmer’s initial conditions for recognition included a ceasefire with Hamas, increased aid into Gaza, a clear commitment against the annexation of the West Bank, and a push for a peace process leading to a two-state solution. However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted that recent events, including an attack on Qatar, have left ceasefire prospects “in tatters,” adding that Israel has also moved forward with a settlement plan. The decision comes as Starmer faces pressure from his own lawmakers, who are angered by the rising death toll in Gaza and images of starving children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated this month that a Palestinian state will never be formed. Reactions in London were mixed. Michael Angus, a 56-year-old charity director, called the recognition “the first step in actually acknowledging that those people have a right to have somewhere to call home.” In contrast, a retiree named Stephen felt the move was misguided, arguing that the government was “sort of abandoning Israel” and “almost sort of supporting” Hamas.
Lammy had previously acknowledged Britain’s historic responsibility to facilitate a two-state solution, dating back to the 1917 Balfour Declaration. However, Victor Kattan, a public international law professor, argued that while “a welcome step,” Britain “owes Palestine far more than recognition,” suggesting an apology and reparations for its role in creating violent divisions.
The recognition could lead to the Palestinian Mission in London being upgraded to embassy status and may result in a ban on products from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stated that this week’s recognitions are an irreversible step that preserves the two-state solution and brings Palestinian independence closer. “Now is the time. Tomorrow is a historic date we need to build on. It’s not the end,” Shahin told reporters in Ramallah. “It is a move bringing us closer to sovereignty and independence. It might not end the war tomorrow, but it’s a move forward, which we need to build on and amplify.” She was referring to Israel’s nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza.
