UK, Canada and Australia recognise Palestine in historic shift

In a historic diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, just days before the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York. France is widely expected to follow in the coming days.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Sunday: “Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.” His announcement comes more than a century after the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, and nearly eight decades after the creation of Israel.

London had previously maintained that recognition should come at a “moment of maximum impact.” However, the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, which has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, shifted the UK’s stance. The government now argues that recognition is necessary to push Israel toward ending its military campaign, committing to genuine peace talks, and allowing greater humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Reactions in Britain were mixed. Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, noted: “Many Palestinians would have liked to celebrate this symbolic moment but they cannot. The reality is that recognition will not end the bombing, famine, or apartheid system they endure.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the UK’s position, stating that recognition was essential to empower those seeking peace: “This is not a reward for terrorism, nor does it legitimise it. Recognising the State of Palestine strengthens the voices of those who want coexistence and the end of Hamas.”

In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, confirmed that his government’s decision was coordinated with London and Ottawa as part of a broader international push for a two-state solution. Albanese stressed that progress must begin with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives.

Israel quickly condemned the announcements, accusing the UK, Canada, and Australia of “siding with Hamas.” The move by these three close allies, however, highlights Israel’s growing isolation on the international stage amid intensifying criticism of its war on Gaza.